Local Lance Fargo wins Triathlon National Clydesdale title

Nearly 200 athletes from 32 states and Washington, D.C. competed for titles in Clydesdale and Athena Nationals, covering three distances: a sprint 600-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run; the Olympic-distance 1,500-meter swim, 40K bike and 10K run; and the long course 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run. National titles were awarded in three age categories per gender at the event: 39 and under (Clydesdale and Athena), 40-54 (Athena), 40-59 (Clydesdale), 55+ (Athena) and 60+ (Clydesdale). 

Fargo grabbed overall honors for Clydesdale in 2:17:38, while also winning the 40-59 division in the event. Fargo’s time was even faster than the 39 and under top finisher. 

"Winning another USAT national championship is certainly a fantastic feeling of accomplishment," said Fargo. "Last year, I was recovering from a knee injury, and my training schedule for the USAT Clydesdale & Athena National championship was abbreviated. I came into the race in less than peak fitness. Consequently, I was disappointed in my performance at last year's event. To be healthy and come back strong this year, especially after having just turned 50 a couple months ago, really feels fantastic."

The Clydesdale and Athena competitive divisions are based on weight minimums outlined in the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules. Athletes competing in the Clydesdale division must be a minimum of 220 pounds, and athletes in the Athena division must be a minimum of 165 pounds. Clydesdale and Athena Nationals were held as a stand-alone event for the first time in 2014.

"I want to thank USAT for providing this opportunity for triathletes of larger stature to showcase their talents and compete for national championships against their peers," Fargo said. "It is really nice to see participation numbers in this event increasing each year since it became a stand-alone event in 2014."

Fargo, who Fredman and I nicknamed “Popa Clyde,” began racing with the Seashore Striders Racing Series many years ago. Looking through past race results, I found that Fargo won the Clyde Delaware State Championship at the Masser 5-Miler in 1997. Fargo was the Mid-Atlantic representative for many years, and for the past five or six years, the clyde and filly races have been directed by Milford’s John Yanacek, who won the Delaware title in 2005.

26th Dave Reynolds Swim/Run Biathlon

The annual Dave Reynolds Biathlon will be held Sunday, July 3, from the Rehoboth Beach Patrol headquarters on Baltimore Avenue beginning at 8 a.m. Compete as an individual, as a team, or in the 2-mile memory walk. Sign up quick or those black long-sleeve tech T-shirts will be history.  Visit www.seashorestriders.com for more information.

Seashore Striders Triple Crown

Twenty-one runners last weekend completed the Seashore Striders Triple Crown Series, consisting of three races in three towns over three days. Special awards will be presented to the runners at the Jungle Jim’s award ceremony this Saturday for completing the Georgetown Library 5K, the Irish Eyes 5K and the Father’s Day 5K.

The following runners achieved the feat:

Alberto Castillo, Alyssa Simon, Deborah Rementer, Doug Purcell, Dr. Lee Masser, Georgette O'Cone, Jack Vassalotti, Jennifer Murray, Jerri Fleetwood, Joey Kwit, John Dowling, John Lehne, Karen Everett, Kelly Pettyjohn, LeeAnn Waltz, Lori Waldee-Warden, Paul Gitlin, Richard Tikiob, Robbin Wells, Roxy Castillo and William McArthur.

Upcoming races

Saturday, June 25 - 12th  Jungle Jim’s 5K Run, 7:30 a.m., Jungle Jim’s, Rehoboth Beach, www.seashorestriders.com

Sunday, June 26 - 21st Bill Degnan 5K Run, 7:30 a.m., Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes, www.seashorestriders.com

Sunday, June 26 - 15th Northbeach 5K Run, 8 a.m., Northbeach, Dewey Beach, www.races2run.com

Saturday, July 2 - 26th Beach Paper Firecracker 5K Run, 7:30 a.m., Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach, www.seashorestriders.com.