2003 Boomtown Challenge Triathlon
By: Russell Bex
May 18, 2003

It was a beautiful Sunday morning in SE Texas .  A perfect day for a sprint triathlon – not a cloud in the sky and temperature about 80 degrees.  Slight breeze in the air.  I am in Beaumont , TX for the Boomtown Challenge Triathlon – ready to do a little multi-sporting.

I haven’t run this race before – in fact I didn’t even know it existed until about 10 days before the race.  But I was impressed with the surroundings.  A beautiful, clean and clear lake, lots of smiling and helpful volunteers (in bright red shirts – easy to spot) and a cemented transition area.  Three things important to a triathlete.

After an invocation, a fantastic rendition of our national anthem and a solemn pledge of allegiance by a veteran, a Pearl Harbor survivor, we were fired up and ready for the swim.  It was a point-to-point swim and all the men took off in a mass start together.  It was quite rough as I was inadvertently punched and kicked much more than usual.  One participant had their watch knocked off and another his goggles.  But that is all part of triathlons – of which (believe it or not) I actually enjoy.  I did see some individuals with wetsuits – not sure why.  Water temperature was perfect and the distance was short.  Go figure. 

The bike course was on the service road that encircled Interstate 10.  Vehicular traffic was very light and it was well marshaled by police officers and volunteers.  Road conditions were above average and with the help of Jerry Richard’s training bike – it went quite fast.  A good, safe course and drafting definitely did not seem to be a problem.  I didn’t witness any and I didn’t hear anyone complain about it after the race. 

Transition was quick and easy as I headed out on the run.  It was three miles of cross country – out and back.  The course meanders around the perimeter of the lake, over small bridges, through sand as well as some grassy areas that were cut it seemed just for this race.  It was a partly shady (which means partly sunny) course but relatively flat.  I finished the race strong and with a big smile.  It feels good to be back doing triathlons.  Even if it is just a sprint triathlon.

The Boomtown Challenge Triathlon is a small (about 100 participants) but well managed triathlon.  Timing was done by Mike Hutcheson and as usual the results were timely and accurate.  In fact, less than two hours post-race we had the final results posted and the awards were given out.  More food and beverages could have been made available.  And maybe a little pre-race music and more “public service” announcements to tell us where to go and what to do.  But, all in all a good and fun triathlon.

The drive to Beaumont , TX is less than two hours.  The race site is right off of I-10, which makes it very easy to get to.  Since I was the lone Lafayette participant, I suggest that more triathletes from Lafayette should put this one on their schedule for next year.  There were plenty of Lake Charles triathletes participating and they actually fared quite well.  They snagged five out of the top thirteen spots including Third Overall Male Tony Dietz and First Overall Female Nicola Appleton.  Congrats to the Lake Charles crew for a great showing.  And a big Thank You to them for allowing me to tag along with them to Beaumont .

Next year maybe the Lafayette triathletes can make a run for some of these top spots.  God Bless and good racing to all.