Triathletes scoff at mere rain

Under optimal conditions, the Lake in the Hills Triathlon is a daunting event - with a half-mile swim in open water, 15 miles of hilly biking and a four-mile run along those same hills.

Saturday, the rain that blanketed the suburbs throughout the morning added yet another challenge.

But after a 20-minute initial delay, the race went on as planned.

About 262 competitors soldiered on over slick roads and large puddles to finish the second annual triathlon.

Roughly 400 had registered for the event, up from 350 who entered last year.

"I'm surprised so many people showed up," said Trudy Wakeman, Lake in the Hills' parks and recreation director.

Dean Hewson, a 38-year-old from Palatine, finished first, in 1:18:57, for the second year in a row. Jim Kuch of Wheaton and Christopher Leyba of Elgin finished second and third, respectively.

Monica Rice, a 40-year-old from Algonquin, was the fastest woman, finishing in 1:36:34. Linda Callahan of Chicago and Jessica Urgo of Elmhurst rounded out the women's top three.

Athletes said they were glad the race wasn't canceled, and some said the cooler weather helped them better their times.

"We're happy we didn't get thundered and lightning-ed out," said Dan Catarello of Villa Park. "It just makes it more challenging because you're biking through puddles."

Catarello's friend, Fernando Moreu of Urbana, agreed.

"It would be easy to call it off," Moreu said. "I'm glad they kept it."

It was the second time competing in the Lake in the Hills event for both Catarello and Moreu, and both said they improved their times.

Brian Mascarella of Crystal Lake recorded a personal best Saturday, finishing in 1:33:41, the third-best for men in the 20-24 age group.

"It was pretty bad to start the race," Mascarella said. "It got better throughout the day."

Though several athletes said they were looking forward to competing in the Lake in the Hills event next year, Wakeman said she would have to re-evaluate whether to bring the event back in 2009.