Dakotah! Hosts Tenth Indoor Triathlon

Dakotah! Sport and Fitness hosted its tenth indoor triathlon on Saturday, April 14. Since the event was held indoors, the competition was structured differently than a typical triathlon. The events were timed, and total distances were calculated. Participants were judged on their total adjusted time based upon the farthest distance completed in the swim, bike, and run, or "pace" time. Each participant completed a 7-minute swim, 30-minute bike, and a 20-minute run.

The field of 37 participants was divided into heats of up to six members, which rotated through the three events. The unique format allowed members with any level of fitness to participate. 

“We use the “pace” system based on the farthest distance completed in each event to level the playing field so that all competitors have to do their best in each event,” explained Race Director Renee Engeman, assistant director of Dakotah Sport and Fitness. 

Chuck Smith, 34, of Richfield came in as the overall winner finishing with a total of 60.25027 minutes making him the first place finisher for the men. Smith is the coach of South Metro Storm swim club. Mike Blair, 42, of Prior Lake, came in second for the men with a time of 62.71658. Tad Dunsworth, 48, of Burnsville, came in third with a time of 67.64423 minutes. Dunsworth is the director of Dakotah! Sport and Fitness. Pace for the men was .31 miles in the swim, 10.23 miles for the bike, and 3.35 miles for the run. 

Taryn Dahl, 43, of Prior Lake, came in first for the women with a total time of 58.17593 minutes. Sarah Foley, 41, of Cologne, finished second for the women with a total time of 59.78912. Foley is a DSF group fitness instructor and nationally-ranked triathlete. Annie Melek, 40, of Shakopee, came in third for the women, with a total time of 65.39734. Pace for the women was .26 miles in the swim, 9.64 miles for the bike, and 2.78 miles for the run. 

A complete list of competitors and their times as well as a photo gallery is available at www.dakotahsport.com. The and Dakotah! Sport and Fitness will also sponsor the Dakotah! Sport and Fitness Lakefront Days Triathlon Saturday, August 4, in Prior Lake.

Details may also be found at www.dakotahsport.com.