Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!
Sep. 8, 2011
The 5th annual “Tri-To-Win” SavageMan Triathlon Festival, slated for Sept. 17-18 at the Deep Creek Lake State Park, has attracted athletes from 32 states – including California and Hawaii – Washington, D.C., and numerous foreign countries such as Canada, Great Britain, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Australia. Olympians and world champions will be arriving in Garrett County next week for the three-pronged athletic competition.
This event, which has become internationally renowned as one of the most difficult triathlons in the world, is organized and produced by the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation as well.
Philip Graves (GBR) and the Desiree Ficker (USA) will be back to defend their 2010 victory performances, with Graves setting both new overall SavageMan 70.0 course and 55.7-mile bike records; and Ficker a new 13.1-mile run record.
The 2011 starting field will also include John Kenny (USA) and Zach Ruble (USA), 2nd and 3rd placers respectively in 2010; as well as the featured triathlon legend, six-time Ironman World Champion Dave Scott (USA).
Josh Beck (USA), considered one of the world’s top duathlete champions in running and cycling, and who posted a sub-6:00 minute run record on the SavageMan 13.1-mi. run course in 2010, is returning for his 5th consecutive race.
Fronting the women’s field is two-time SavageMan 70.0 victor, women’s course-record holder, and the U.S.’s only Olympic triathlon medalist ever (Athens 2004) Susan Williams.
In the March 2010 Triathlete magazine, an article was published titled “The 100 Best Races in the World,” in which the SavageMan 70.0 was the lead-in two-page feature preface highlight, and was given the “Editor’s Choice” distinction of “Number One Hardest Race on Earth!”
Greg Safko, president of the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation and race director, said the two-day festival has “built a loyal following and solid reputation among athletes worldwide seeking a very unique lifetime experience.”
He also reported that post-race surveys taken by athletes indicate that 100% of athletes recommend the SavageMan Triathlon Festival to others.
“This survey result reflects the phenomenal attraction to western Maryland for the race,” Safko said.
There are a multitude of viewing areas in Deep Creek Lake State Park and across Garrett and Allegeny counties for the general public, he noted. Volunteers to help out with the event are still in need.
“Volunteering doubles the fun for spectators to experience this one-of-a-kind international sporting event up close,” Safko said. “And our volunteers are key to ensuring a safe and successful event for participants from around the country and world, as well as supporting the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation’s mission.”
For further information on volunteering, persons may visit www.savagemantri.org/volunteers.html. For course maps and daily activities, persons may go to the primary SavageMan web site at www.savagemantri.org.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
