Barkin' Dog Duathlon
Keenesburg, Colorado
Saturday, May 10, 2003
5k run, 16.6 mile bike, 5k run
Complete Results

After four years of great weather, the Barkin' Dog Duathlon finally got a dose of what springtime in Colorado is all about. Several inches of snow fell in the Denver area overnight, but the bike course in the small plains town of Keenesburg was spared any accumulation and was only wet on race morning.

With temperatures in the upper 30's and a mix of light snow and rain continuing to fall during the event, conditions were certainly less than optimal, but still over 100 athletes arrived on race morning to check things out.

After careful deliberation, 87 decided to brave the cold and start the race, while the rest chose to cheer them on. For those who participated, " All things considered it really was not that bad," said Jim Gelsomini of Grand Junction, "From my perspective the wind was really the most difficult element which could be a factor with or without the cold temperatures."

The frontrunners in the men's lead pack took the pace out cautiously, passing the mile in 5:40. From here, the course turned sloppy, as runners followed the muddy dirt roads just west of town. Former CU cross country runner Travis Macy took the lead into transition followed closely by Greg Kraus of Littleton.

Transitions were slow, as the athletes threw on extra clothing and booties for the 16.6 mile bike leg. The bike course was shortened on race morning due to potential water in a low section of the course that is crossed by a farmers irrigation canal.

Riders were optimistic during the first half of the out-and-back ride. A slight tailwind was pushing speeds into the upper 20's for the lead riders, and with the wind at their backs, "It actually felt warm," said men's 8th place finisher Will Kelsay.

The return trip, however, was much chillier for the wet riders. John Phillips, of Colorado Springs, was the first onto the second run course a lead of just 40 seconds over his nearest rival, Andy Palmer of Littleton. Phillips managed to hold onto his lead for more than 2.5 miles, when Krause, posting the day's fastest second run split by over 1:20, caught and passed Phillips for the win.

In the women's race, Kerri Wlad, of Longmont, set the pace on the first run, with a 19:47 split. She was followed just 30 seconds later by Jennifer Lee. The race would change dramatically on the bike course, as Wlad chose to withdraw from the race, Julie Hudetz closed the gap on Lee to just seconds, and Xterra triathlete Melissa Thomas stormed by everyone on the bike. Once on the run, Lee gave chase but could not catch Thomas, and Hudetz maintained contact with Lee, but could not catch her.