2,000 run in Naperville triathlon

Bob McKeague of Villa Park usually sets a goal time to finish when he's running triathlons.

But Sunday, during the HRMS Naperville Sprint Triathlon, the 83-year-old's only goal was to finish without getting hurt.

"My major goal was to finish this race without reinjuring my left calf muscle, and I did," he said. "I'm happy."

About 2,000 athletes registered for the annual event at Centennial Beach, 500 W. Jackson Ave., and roughly half were from Naperville.

Race Director Bill Burke said the event was fabulous and the weather was perfect.

"When you've got to operate an event like this, weather really rules the day," he said.

Burke was thrilled with the increase in about 800 participants this year, compared to the 1,180 last year.

He hopes next year's race will attract 2,500 participants.

"The triathlon is a new, hip sport, and more people are coming into it," Burke said.

The triathlon consisted of three parts; a 400-meter swim, a 12.4-mile bicycle ride and a 3.1-mile run.

Burke said participants ranged from ages 16 to 84.

Competitors were timed using a championship timing system, and awards were given out late Sunday morning based on age and gender groupings.

Danny Jackson of Oak Lawn took part in his first triathlon Sunday.

"It was tough," he said just after he crossed the finish line. "The run was my favorite because I got to be by myself and think."

Even though it was difficult, Jackson has every intention of taking on the challenge again next year.

"Just because of the experience of doing it and knowing you can accomplish something that you set out to do," he said.

While many participated solo, others turned the event into a family activity.

Lynn Bond of Shorewood competed in the relay category with her two daughters.

Diana, 26, and Kristina, 22, swam and ran, while Lynn biked.

"We did it as a bonding experience," Bond joked. "It was a nice ride, and I thought it was paced well."

Chad Beert of Naperville took part in his third triathlon Sunday morning, while his wife Amy Beert joined him for the first time.

"It was good," Chad Beert said. "It was a little more crowded than before."

Afterward, they were only thinking about one thing: a good meal.

"We're getting lunch," Amy Beert said. "We're gonna get something good to eat and relax a little bit."

The winners

• Eric Ott, Naperville

• David Fix, Hinsdale

• Jim Kuch, Wheaton

• Ian Linnabary, Rockford

• Brian Pour, Naperville