One Down, Two To Go!

Time is going by like the water in the Russian River (which is pretty quick these days for those of you that don't live around here!).

April 17th marked the 4th annual Vineman Showdown and once again it was a huge success. Thanks to our swim sponsor, TYR for providing swim caps and buoys for our swim course!

Congratulations go out to reigning champion, local Kelly Dunleavy who defended her 2009 title. On the men's side it was up and coming local pro Jeff Peterson who took the win. It's a relatively "easy" day for the Vineman crew - set up, registration, race and break down - all in the same day.

Now that the Showdown is done and put away it's time to gear up and put our focus on Vineman 70.3 (in it's 20th year!) which is followed shortly thereafter by the Full Vineman and Barb's Race. Barb's Race will be celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year.

On the 70.3 side of things, we will once again have a stacked field, not only in the pro race but also in the age group race. Ironman World Champion, Chris McCormack will be taking on Vineman 70.3 for the first time and we have just had confirmation that reigning Vineman 70.3 Champion, Joe Gambles will be returning this year to defend his title. We've got some others in the works right now and will pass that along as we get confirmation. Without a doubt though it will be another exciting pro race.

As for the age groupers I'm sure there are too many to name but for the "older" ladies we've got Cherie Gruenfeld in the 65-69 age group, Harriet Anderson in the 75-79 age group and Sister Madonna Buder in the 80+ age group.

On to the Full Vineman and Barb's Race.....

The 2010 Full Vineman will see a pretty competitive men's field. Two time Full Vineman Champions Dan Arlandson (2008,2009) and David Glover (2001,2007 ) 2005 Champion Kevin Danahy, pro triathlete Ray Bothelho, Colombian pro triathlete Ricardo Cardeno and former pro (and runner extraordinaire)Brandon Del Campo. I guarantee this will be one of the best Full Vineman races in many years. We look forward to the battle on race day.

In Barb's Race, we'll see Kelly Dunleavy make her appearance after winning the Vineman Showdown two years in a row. I'm putting my money on her to win the race. Barb's Race is more than about being the fastest out there though. Most of the people that come to Barb's Race are cancer survivors themselves or are racing in honor of someone else. In it's first nine years, Barb's Race has raised over $368,000 for local cancer related groups. 2010 will have the biggest field yet and as the field of racers grows we hope that the money raised this year will also increase.

More to come on all the races.....