“Great course!” “One
of the best races I’ve done!” “Volunteers
were so helpful and friendly!” were just some of the quotes overheard at the
1996 CajunMan Triathlon. With the
beer iced down in canoes and red beans and rice being served, the first annual
CajunMan Triathlon was fun for all and a complete success.
More than 230 triathletes showed up race morning and were treated to the
southern hospitality and charm that is indicative of South Louisiana.
They also battled 90 degree heat and 90% humidity, which is also a
characteristic of this region, to try and become the first ever winner of the
CajunMan Triathlon.
Held here in the Heart of Acadiana at Airport Lake and
drawing participants from four states the tri-sport event commenced as the
triathletes began their 1/2 mile swim. First
out of the water was 15 year old local swimming sensation, Diane Tennison with a
sizzling swim time of 9:18. Chris
Eschbach of Hattiesburg, MS was next in 9:20.
The large crowd of spectators cheered as they made their way up the long,
steep embankment to the transition area. As
Eschbach headed out on the 30k bike he was followed closely by Patrick Marr,
John Deshotel and Dwayne Cormier. Deflated
tires, as well as hopes, were the order of the day as both Marr and Cormier
succumbed to flats on the bike. It
was now a two man race for first, but Eschbach’s lead as he began the 5k run
was insurmountable as he blitzed the course in 1:13:58.
Deshotel, the local favorite, was second in 1:15:39 and Rhett Harris of
Baton Rouge took third in 1:18:44.
The women’s race was just as exciting as former
Californian, now adopted Cajun, Caitlin Gabor breezed through the women’s
field. Although Gabor won the
CajunMan Duathlon last November, this was her first victory as a triathlete.
Motivated by the fact she was competing on her home turf, Gabor had the
fasted split on the bike for females and then pounded the pavement to the finish
line in 1:27:51. Laurie Davidson,
a former Kansas State University trackster, was second in 1:30:53.
Liz Hebert, a Lafayette native was third in 1:33:37.
The Men’s Masters Division was won by Terry Dupuy in
1:25:28 and the Women’s Masters Division was taken by Carolyn Sutton in
1:51:08. Open Relay team winners
were Team Crawfish Killers in a time of 1:17:41.
The Sponsor Relay team winners were Team Pack and Paddle in 1:19:18.
The CajunMan Triathlon in its first year was an absolute fruition. The volunteers and everybody behind the scenes were fabulous. The dream of a triathlon in Lafayette has been a long time coming and because of the outstanding support from our sponsors and the dedicated work of the volunteers it was made possible. With the Lafayette area possessing so many talented triathletes it was exciting to see them finally have the chance to showcase their talents in a local setting. But just as exciting was seeing the numerous “first-timers” who were testing their endurance as well as their intestinal fortitude in this multi-sport event. It’s a thrill that they and their families will not soon forget. Nor should they. For they are now officially triathletes. Contratulations to all of you - you are all winners!
-Russell Bex