The 16th Heart of the Lakes Triathlon had the strongest field ever, according to race director George Roes and competitor Tony Schiller.
The competition Sunday attracted 1,100 athletes to Annandale’s Municipal Park.
“This year we fielded by far the strongest field we ever had,” Roes said after the event.
“It’ll be tough to top that (next year), but we’ll do our best.”
“This race has never seen this good a competition,” Schiller said after competing in the long course for the 12th time.
The sport is reaching its zenith in Minnesota and a lot of young guys are coming up, he said.
The state is among the top five in triathlon with Florida, Colorado, California and Texas, Schiller said.
Roes said six people received assistance in Pleasant Lake, which is not unusual.
He heard many of the elite athletes say it was tough going in the heat, but there were no heat related problems.
“I think because of the volunteers it went tremendously well,” Roes said.
He estimated more than 400 volunteers worked on the race Sunday.
“Volunteers are the core of this.
“We’ve just got such good-spirited and motivated people out here that make this thing go together.”
He said the event is world class, attracting participants from across the United States and showcasing Annandale.
Roes thanked committee members, volunteers and the community for their help.
“I wish you could all hear the positive comments we hear about our community and its spirit.”
Long course participant Pat McMorrow of Minnetonka praised the triathlon for its water stops.
It was warm on the course, he said. “Water stops were just where you needed them.
“It was the most well-organized series of water stops I have ever seen,” McMorrow said.
And long course competitor Jan Guenther praised community support in Annandale, which she said keeps the race going.
The 17th Heart of the Lakes Triathlon will take place July 21, 2002, Roes said.
Bill Baker of Winona was the winner of a drawing for a Trek Hilo 1000 bicycle.