Palatine, Schaumburg athletes are tops at triathlon
The two fastest triathletes swam, biked and ran past their competition in Schaumburg Park District’s Triathlon: Splash, Pedal, Dash on July 8.
Dean Hewson of Palatine powered through the triathlon’s 400-meter swim, 15-mile bike ride and 5K run with a time of 1:01:49. Triathlete Judie Refvik of Schaumburg was the overall female winner in 1:12:57.
“It’s a great feeling to roll out of bed, compete in a local race and go on with your day,” said Hewson.
Hewson, an enthusiastic triathlete, runs the park district’s Triathlon Training program. He enjoys helping new triathletes train for their first races and watching them improve dramatically. Teaching new triathletes allows him to return his own training to the basics and improve it while helping others. Past and present triathlon training program participants also competed with Hewson.
“It’s about doing your best,” said Hewson. “You don’t always win, but when you do it is pretty special.”
This year’s win was also special since it was his son Bowie’s fourth birthday.
Hewson, a father of three children, has raced for the past 20 years in competitions in Canada, Europe, Australia and the U.S.A., including the Ironman World Championship. He has competed in the park district’s annual triathlon from time to time since moving to the area in 1995. Hewson participated with his wife, Paula, village of Schaumburg assistant village manager, and his training partner, Eric Dewitt.
Refvik, the top female winner, has been racing since 2006, and the race marks her 18th triathlon. While she enjoys every portion of the triathlon, she believes that triathletes can always improve since they can’t be a specialist in swimming, biking and running. Refvik trains six to seven days each week. Her hard work paid off recently with a qualification for August’s USAT Age Group National Championship.
“The triathlon is unique and convenient,” said Refvik. “Not every race takes you through the beautiful neighborhoods around you.”
The morning also featured the park district’s Duathlon: Dash, Pedal, Dash. Duathletes completed a 5K run, 15-mile bike ride and a second 5K run. Scott Schultes of Northbrook led the male division of the duathlon at 1:07:06 while female winner Aneta Ziemianska finished at 1:13:47.
Both races kicked off at Meineke Recreation Center.
The Park District’s Indoor Sprint Triathlon is set for Oct. 21, at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road. The event is part of the Midwest Indoor Sprint Triathlon Series with eight other park districts.
For information and complete race results, visit www.parkfun.com.
Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.