History
The Newaygo County Kids Triathlon began in 2002 by Michigan State Police Trooper Kevin Sweeny, with assistance from Fremont Police Officer Matt Hendrie. In 2004, Trooper Sweeny moved on to a new position and the Kids Triathlon was taken on soley by the Fremont Police Department. Over 70 kids, ages 2-17, participate in the Kids Triathlon each summer. In 2007, a record number 85 kids participated in the Run/Bike/Swim. A new course record was set in the 14-17 age group by Zachery Potgeter (age 14), as he knocked off two time defending race winner Mattlock Simmons with a time of 27:33.
After much success in the Kids Triathlon, questions were beginning about bringing an adult triathlon to the area. It was determined that the Fremont Police Department wanted to bring a triathlon to the area that could be attended by all types of athletes. A way to challenge themselves and not feel the pressures of a major event. We wanted to make this event one of comradery, friendships, and a fun and rewarding experience. To give adults the chance to try new things and push themselves in a swim/bike/run(walk). In 2006, 39 people stepped up and competed in the first West Michigan Triathlon.
In 2007, the word was out of how much fun the West Michigan Triathlon was and we began to partner with many organizations to spread the word further about our event. 106 participants came out in 2007 to begin the challenge of the newley designed course including a 300 yard swim, 9.25 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run, with all participants completing the course. A new course record was set by Fremont's own Bill Jones in a time of 49:59.5.
2008 was another year of records as 187 participants set course around the Fremont Lake, Town and Country Path, Fremont Industrial Park, and country setting of Reeman. Aaron Barber, Grand Rapids, blazed through the event in record fashion, breaking the course record by :53 seconds in a time of 49:06.5. The female event and new record was established by Kent City's Jill Evers-Bowers in a time of 55:37.5.
In 2009, weather made its first challenge in the Kids Event but the "show must go on". Mother Nature cleared up long enough to put the kids on course and get the event in with just over 80 participants. Zach Potgeter repeated as Champion for the third year in a row despite the rain.
The Adults saw much different weather in the afternoon as the clouds moved aside and the sun and heat crept in for a warm and humid race. The wind picked up and the waves made the swimming a little tougher than in the past, but everyone got out in three separate heats and we were off. Aaron Barber became the first two-time champion of the event, just missing his own course record in 49:22, followed closely by his father, Dennis. It was a true father-son battle to the finish. In the women's event, Leann Murphy came all the way from Rochester, IL and broke the women's course record in a time of 53:38.
Many groups have made a day out of it with friends and family competing and watching the event, then dinner afterwards. We hope that 2010, the 5th Year Anniversary Event, will be as much of a success. Some changes are in the process, but one thing will never change, we want to make it FUN for all. Hope to see you at the 2010 West Michigan Triathlon on Saturday, August 14.
