Zion Children’s Home show appreciation for the fundraiser

Saturday morning’s Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon in Gregory Town, Eleuthera, was so much fun even a manatee made an appearance. More than 50 people took part in the event, which as well as the sprint distance triathlon, also featured a Junior Pineappleman duathlon, impromptu 5-kilometer run and great live music by Seaweed.

The race raised more than $1,300 for the Zion Children’s Home and most of its children and mothers were on hand Saturday morning, taking part and running a bake sale at the event part of the annual Pineapple Festival.

A large contingent from New Providence did not go home empty handed, as three men from that island swept the Men’s Open division. Simon Lowe, 31, added the 2014 title to his 2011 title, missing the course record by seven seconds.

Grand Bahama’s Vicki Stafford, 46, made a successful defense of her title, improving her course record by over seven minutes. Harbour Island’s Joanne McGovern, the 2010 champ, was not far behind taking second place and staying ahead of a fast field of women.

The men’s side was just as fast with four men eclipsing the one-hour barrier on the 500-meter swim, 16-kilometer cycle and 5-kilometer run course, known for its challenging climbs.


A guest ukele player added to the festive atmosphere

“Definitely most challenging of our Bahamian Tris with those killer hills instead of flat Nassau terrain,” Kathy Johnston, 56, posted to the group’s Facebook page, minutes after finishing her first Pineappleman.

This was the first year the event was able to fundraise for a cause, and increased sponsorship, especially from Think Simple, Rainbow Inn, Island Made Gift Shop, and Sands Beer made it possible.

“Think Simple was very proud to sponsor this year’s Pineappleman Triathlon, a well-organized event and a great opportunity for the local community to come together to raise money for such a deserving cause,” said Think Simple partner Gregory Michelier, who also took third place in the race. “Think Simple enjoys being involved with these sporting events that the whole family can get involved with and encourage the young generations of Bahamian athletes.”
 
2014 Pineapple Sprint Triathlon and Jr. Pie Results
Saturday, June 7, Gregory Town, Eleuthera

Men’s Open
1.    Simon Lowe, New Providence, 54 minutes. 45 seconds; 2. Cameron Roach, N.P., 56:43; 3. Gregory Michelier, N.P., 58:51; 4. Romeo Seymour, Grand Bahama, 59:07; 5.Neil Aris Morada, N.P., 1:01:48; 6. Alexander Pracht, Germany, 1:02:36; 7. Greg Lowe, N.P., 1:05:27; 8. Abe McIntyre, James Cistern, Eleu., 1:06:23; 9. Mitchell Blacquiere, N.P., 1:10:08; 10. Robert Onsgard, Whale Pt. Eleu., 1:10:32; 11. Scott Blacquiere, N.P., 1:12:03; 12. Jeffrey Robertson, N.P., 1:16:46; 13. Peter Tynes, N.P., 1:17:24; 14. Stephen Kemp, Florida, 1:24:13
Fat Tyre                               
1.    Alexander Pennington, England, 1:02:35    ; 2. Brian Dalton, Eleu. Island Shores, 1:15:18; 3. Brandon Weiss, San Diego, 1:19:35

Women’s Open

1.    Vicki Stafford, G.B., 1:03:22; 2. Joanne McGovern, Harbour Isl., 1:06:22; 3. Alanna Rodgers, N.P., 1:07:10; 4. Sarah Kennedy, N.P., 1:09:15    ; 5. Debbie Onsgard, Whale Pt., 1:12:22; 6. Lori Roach, N.P., 1:13:23; 7. Leslie Sharman, Whale Pt., 1:13:32; 8. Kathy Johnston, N.P., 1:18:36; 9. Elizabeth Henry, Cape Eleuthera    , 1:20:44; 10. Anne Lowe, N.P., 1:23:55; 11. Alison Lowe, England    , 1:23:57; 12. Jessica Robertson, N.P., 1:26:47

Fat Tyre                                   
1.    Wendy Kemp, Fla., 1:33:16   

Relay division
1.    Formidable Foes: Romeo Seymour, G.B., Tom McMahon, Ohio, Kelley Adams, Fla. (6:12, 38:07, 0:28:36, 1:12:55); Whale Pt. Wheezers:  Victoria Parmentier, Whale Point, Mark Hay, Whale Pt,, Douglas Onsgard, Whale Pt. (13:06, 47:35, 34:04, 1:34:45)

5K run
1.    Esteban Andorra, N.P., 22:59; 2. Emily Ehrhswheder, Tennessee, 33:08; T3. Madison Eggenkeng, Tenn., 34:05; T3. Maggie Agnew, Tenn. 34:05; 5. Brenda Thompson, James Cistern, 34:56

Jr. Pie
Duathlon 100 meter swim-800 meter run

1.    Melina Andorra    , 12, N.P. 8:12; 2. Gaetan Andorra, 12, N.P., 9:00; 3. Armand Andorra, 10, N.P.  9:12; 4. Kami Roach, 8, N.P., 10:06; 5. Mikayla Blacquiere, 9, N.P. 10:43

800-meter run
1.    Safyha Bryan, 15, Governor’s Harbour, 4:46; 2. Yasmeen Munroe, Current Island, 12, 5:58; 3. Lashanti Lightbourn, 8, Current Island, 6:42; 4. Calvin Mason, 7, Current Island, 6:44; 5. Dijon Stuart, 8, Current Island, 7:40; 6. Mikeya Mason, 8, Current Island, 9:03