Rockwall YMCA holds successful first Y ROCK Sprint Triathlon

Rockwall YMCA holds successful first Y ROCK Sprint Triathlon

(ROCKWALL, TX – June 27, 2016) Over 100 triathletes of all skill levels took part in Rockwall’s newest triathlon known as the Y ROCK (formerly Dirty Rock) Sprint Triathlon 2016, produced by PlayTri Racing and hosted by the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA on Sunday, June 26.

The event saw 120 participants hit the race course bright and early, beginning with a 300-yard snake swim in the Rockwall Y’s 25-yard indoor pool, followed by a 9.5-mile (two loops) bike course and finally a 3.1-mile run to the finish line.

Overall winner Jeff Schmitt (right)

Coming in 1st Overall was 44-year-old Rockwall resident Jeff Schmitt with a total time of 52:11:42. Schmitt, a member of the Rockwall YMCA, said while the humidity was certainly a factor for the participating triathletes, the most difficult aspect for him was maintaining a sprint-like pace throughout the course.

“It’s like a sprint the whole way; you can never back off,” Schmitt said. “That was the only real challenge, was staying on the gas for 50 minutes.”

Finishing with the second overall best time and 1st in the mens age group 20-24 was Samuel Law with a time of 54:57:94. The third best overall time and top finish in the Mens Masters age group belonged to James Dillion at 56:17:49. Antonio Lopez claimed the fourth best overall finish and top finish in the Mens 30-34 age group with a total time of 57:31:59, and Vonnie Mayberry finished 5th Overall and topped all participating female triathletes with a total finishing time of 58:07:56.

All finishers received a finisher medal. The top three finishers in the Overall, Masters and Grand Masters age groups, along with the top three Overall Relay teams, also received special rock trophies along with their finisher medals.

Net proceeds from the Y ROCK benefitted the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The funds help ensure that everyone is able to participate in Y programs, regardless of their financial situation.

Shout-out to all the sponsors of the Y ROCK Sprint Triathlon 2016:

Lead Sponsor – Milestone Electric
LAKESIDE ALLERGY EAR NOSE & THROAT
Waffle House
Baker Brothers Plumbing & Air
Tri4Him
American National Bank
Modern Woodmen
Rockwall Futbol Club
Rockwall Sports Center
Misti Nicholson
Brad Epstein
Donnie Martin
CryoZone Rockwall
Toyota of Rockwall

For full race results visit playtri.com/yrock.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News editor.

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