Silverman Triathlon racing through town

By Mandy Walton

Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 | 10:42 a.m.

November is a wonderfully mild time of year in Southern Nevada. Cool mornings are answered with warm afternoons, only to be chased away with cooler evenings. It’s a perfect time to take in our beautiful scenery.

Our breathtaking views and rolling hills, however, aren’t just for looking at. For a select group of athletes, the rolling landscape means serious business as they get ready for the Silverman Triathlon.

This year's Silverman takes place next Sunday, right here in Henderson. The event starts with a 2.5-mile open water swim in Lake Mead. After the swim, triathletes then embark on a 112-mile bike ride out of the Lake Mead Recreation Area, through the River Mountain Loop Trail, and onto the starting point for the run in the Green Valley Ranch area. From there, these strong willed competitors finish up with a 26-mile run through the residential area of the south part of Green Valley.

There is a time limit on each part of the race. The swim must be completed in 2 hours, 20 minutes; the bike course by 5 p.m.; and the run must be completed by midnight.

Frank Lowery, one of the race’s organizers, said about 800 athletes from all 50 states and 13 different countries are expected to compete in this year’s race.

If you want to be a spectator, I would think the best place to watch would be around the District at Green Valley Ranch.

It’s amazing to think that there are people out there who train all year for a competition such as this. The dedication and ambition of these athletes sends me for a tailspin. To find out the particulars, like where the rest stations are, why they decorate portable toilets, and other details on the race, visit the Web site.

I used to swim competitively, so the 2.5-mile open water swim sounds like no sweat … But biking 112 miles seems unfathomable, and running more than a mile would drive me to tears. Kudos, to all these athletes!

If you’re shopping or dining at The District next Sunday evening and wonder why you see a bunch of runners going by, you’ll know. They’re competing to be named the next Silverman!