24 teams vie in Pedal, Paddle, Puff triathlon

Local resident Cecelia Smith had watched the traditional Pedal Paddle Puff triathlon on Independence Days past.

By Danielle Szulczewski • July 7, 2009 4:13 pm
The bicyclists take off en masse from Haller Park
The bicyclists take off en masse from Haller Park

ARLINGTON — Local resident Cecelia Smith had watched the traditional Pedal Paddle Puff triathlon on Independence Days past.

“There were no women who signed up to do the Ironwoman,” she said. Nonetheless, she was encouraged to try the competition — which can be performed either as a relay or an individual competitor — in a third way.

Dusting off the tandem bike she and her husband Thomas had kept in the basement since the birth of their oldest child over five years ago, the two competed as one Iron couple, competing in the bicycle, canoeing and jogging legs together.

There wasn’t exactly a category for them to compete in, but they didn’t seem bothered.

“It was fun,” Smith said afterward.

The Angry Dragons won the local division again this year, but this time also finished first overall. After some misfortune last year with their water vessel tipping over, the guys got a better canoe and came through with the win in the event’s largest category. The element of fun was still in the contest for them as well, as they joked about their labored training under their 2-year-old manager.

“We wanted to be as competitive as we could be,” added Aaron Barlond, who officially crossed the finish line for the Arlington-based crew of Steve Rybolt, Ty Paine and Blaine Webber. The team was joined in spirit by Justin White, who was knocked out with the flu and unable to compete.

The race began at Haller Park as bicyclists rode up to River Meadows Park. There, teammates and ironmen moved into kayaks and canoes to continue down the Stillaguamish River and back to Haller Park. The race continued with a two-mile run to Twin Rivers Park and back.

“A good portion of teams seem to be” returning year after year, said event organizer Rob Putnam. He added, “It went good. Everyone finished safely.”

Local division

1. The Angry Dragons 1:17.13

2. Newland Construction 1:18.51

3. Blue Ribbon Painting 1:21.36

Over-the-hill division

1. Mt. Baker Ski Area 1:18.15

Open division

1. Mt. Baker Ski Area Open 1:19.40

2. Pedal, Paddle, Pass Out 1:35.46

3. Team Hartman 1:41.14

Ironman

1. Brandon Harding 1:23.49

2. Shawn Elliot 1:26.30

3. Carsten Mullin 1:27.23

Ironwoman

1. Kim Williams 1:39.21

2. Annalisa Devries 1:41.33

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