Race Coverage

Buzz Win #9 For Nelson. Manning Nukes Course Record...

Friday, 08 March 2024 00:10

Photo - Buzz Ryan and Brewhouse venue pre-staged.

By Mitchell Clayton

Duluth’s Island Lake Park, which is also the site of the Brewhouse Triathlon in early August, played host to the 11th annual Buzz Ryan Sprint Triathlon this past Sunday. The 500 yd – 10 mile – 2.5 mile race is set among picturesque pines and is a perfect course for those looking to complete their first race, and tri veterans wanting an excuse to push the pace. Temperatures on Sunday morning were in the low 60’s with a steady breeze out of the west, and despite some showers about an hour before the race start, the clouds cleared as participants started to cross the finish line...

In the men’s race, Fargo’s Andrew Manning led out of the swim and never looked back. Posting the fastest split in all three disciplines, AJ took almost a minute off Tim Bontrager’s two year old course record. 2022 Male Junior of the Year Noah Billings, 17, of Rochester followed Manning closely out of the swim and was able hold that position for the rest of the race, finishing in second place, 3:20 back. The podium was rounded out by Wisconsin’s Philip Burkart, who managed to overtake several athletes with a strong bike-run combo.

Two local stars came out on top in the women’s race. Duluthians Elaine Nelson and Lisa Filzen came out of the water together. Lisa put a minute on Elaine in T1, but Nelson, who has won here eight times in the past, managed to outbike and outrun Lisa for the win. Mankato’s Kris Anderson, winner at Turtleman Sprint earlier this season, relied on strong splits in the swim and run to claim third place.

Buzz Ryan is accompanied by the Half Buzzed race, which, as the name suggests, is half the distance and is a great way to introduce new people to triathlon. Mankato’s Soren Kelly, a high school cross country runner, won the men’s competition and Bovey’s Amy Dettmer, who with her husband Alan direct the storied Timberman Triathlon, won the women’s contest.

Including relays, 100 participants crossed Buzz Ryan’s finish line with another 30 athletes finishing the Half Buzzed race. On top of being held at a gorgeous venue, the race’s organizers put on a top-notch event.

We hope to see you at next year’s edition!  RESULTS

ED. Mitchel Clayton, a former Buzz Ryan winner, finished 4th overall.