Race Coverage

Dan vs. Dan

Tuesday, 10 September 2013 08:41

SQUARE LAKE LONG COURSE - Maple Grove’s elusive Erin Farrens has raced at Square Lake on two occasions, in 2007 and last Sunday. In ’07 she finished 2nd behind course record-setter Marlo Crosby. On Sunday, she won, her victory marking a successful return to racing after more than two years on the sidelines where she did a lot of other stuff, much of which involved acts of parenting. 

Those of us who remember Erin are happy to report that she looks the same at she did in 2006, when she was a more active member of our state’s tri scene.

Seeing Erin on Sunday was like unexpectedly bumping into an old friend. The same could be said for seeing Ontario’s Danny Morwood. 

A great guy, as all Canadians are, Danny’s last Square Lake appearance was back in 2007. On Sunday, as in ’07 and 2004, too, the former pro finished first overall (4:07:58). Only one other athlete has won this 13-year-old event as many times. Melinda Silbernick did so in 2001, 2002 and 2005. In Morwood’s only other racing effort in the Lower-48 this season, he finished 4th at Steelhead 70.3 (4:10). So you know, his PR at 140.6 is 8:46.

Unsurprisingly, the men’s runner-up was Dan Arlandson (photo), who kicked off his performance on Sunday with an awesome 25:56 swim. Dan loves this race, and why shouldn’t he. The courses are scenic and challenging and he has the option of popping over to Marine on St. Croix afterwards for ice cream. Or he could take the short drive over to Manning Avenue and McKusick Road and partake of some excellent schnitzel at Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter.

Check out Danny A's Square Lake resume:

2013 – 2nd – 4:13:03
2012 – 1st – 4:06:57
2011 - He doesn’t want to talk about it.
2010 - 1st – 4:09:10
2007 - 2nd / 1st amateur – 4:07:23

Finishing 3rd in the men’s race on Sunday was Nevis’ David Lewis (4:34:01), who is enjoying a successful 2013, one that features two wins (Lakes to Pines, Lakes Country). In eight starts, he’s podiumed five times.

Danny Morwood’s wife, Valerie, finished in the silver medal position for the women. Her time was 5:10:16. Third was earned by Catherine Fredrick (5:10:50), who was 5th here in 2012 and has been to Scotland (photo).
COMPLETE RESULTS