The FIRM Kennebunk [Me.] Fire Dept. Triathlon is coming of age.
Formerly a low-key race attracting 100-odd athletes, the '96 edition
hosted some of New England's finest triathletes among a field of
nearly 200.
A cold front's passage the previous day ushered in dry air and light
winds, but also pushed the previous week's summertime-high water
temperatures well offshore. Cries of excitement mingled with shock as
athletes plunged into 58 degree water for the 0.5 mi. swim.
Proclaiming it `the slowest transition of my life', Team Psycho's
Carmen Monks overcame near-hypothermia and Ironman preparation fatigue
to lead the field through nearly flat 23 mi. ride and 6 mi. run,
finishing in 1:32:09. Defending champion Steve Riddle finished second,
with James Ball third. Master's ace Bob Lamothe tied Steve Fluet for
4th in 1:39:24, although Lamothe started in the second wave 5 minutes
behind.
Bath Me.'s Katy Payson appears to be a rising star. Fresh from a
sprint race victory the previous weekend, Payson erased all but 9
seconds of a 2 ÿ minute deficit at second transition, following Amy
Rice across the line in 1:42:24. This without aero bars, race wheels,
or smooth transitions! Kimberly Walsh finished third in 1:43:59.
Vacationing Mary Daviees captured Women's Masters honors.
Reflecting the community spirit surrounding the race, town
firefighters and vehicles manned many intersections, including a
detour around road construction that forced a 2 mile reduction to the
normal bike course.
Ever mindful of improvement opportunities, race Director Bill Fiske
promised draft marshals next year; an unfortunate reality accompanying
success.
Bob Weathersby
Men Overall
Carmen Monks 1:32:09
Steve Riddle 1:35:34
James Ball 1:38:41
Bob Lamothe 1:39:24
Steve Fluet 1:39:24
Women Overall
Amy Rice 1:42:15
Katy Payson 1:42:24
Kimberly Walsh 1:43:59
Kelli Montgomery 1:46:52
Lynn Mazzaferro 1:50:42
Men's Masters
Bob Lamothe 1:39:24
Marc Saucier 1:41:29
Mike McCarty 1:45:23
Women's Masters
Mary Daviees 1:56:35
Rosalyn Randall 2:05:43
