Oregon man battles course to win Henderson triathlon

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 | 2:15 a.m.

Stephen Sylvanie / Special to the Sun

Chris Williams, 31, of Bend, Oregon, repeats as full course Silverman champion by crossing the finish line with a time of 10 hours, 19 minutes and 28 seconds on Sunday evening.

Chris Williams admits the thought of quitting crossed his mind.

Competing in the Fifth Annual Nevada Silverman Triathlon on Sunday, the Bend, Ore., resident started to feel cramps in his legs during the hilly 112-mile bike portion throughout the streets of Henderson.

But Williams buckled down to stay within striking distance of the leaders and eventually regained his strength for what turned out to be a strong finish.

Williams eventually took the lead in the 14th mile of the 26.2-mile run during the final leg of the race to win in 10 hours, 19 minutes and 29 seconds for his second straight victory in the event’s full-distance race.

Williams, who competes as an amateur, bested his 2008 time by 19 minutes. His times shattered the course record each year.

“My legs were sore and I felt weak,” said Williams, who was receiving intravenous fluids at the medical station minutes after the win. “But I figured everyone else was hurting, too.”

Williams, 31, was the event’s second two-time winner. The thrill of seeing his family when he crossed the finish line made the pain and suffering during the race — a layout several consider the toughest triathlon in the nation — worthwhile.

Williams, a dentist who calls triathlon-racing his hobby, immediately fell to his knees after crossing the finish line and was greeted with hugs from his parents and sister.

“I love the last six miles of the race,” Williams said. “It’s the greatest feeling you can have, knowing you have no energy left but finding something inside you to keep going.”

Chuck Williams, Chris’ father, said his son’s biggest strength is his dedication to training. Williams, a former standout high school swimmer, usually starts his day off with swimming work. He does light running or bicycle training after his day at the dental office and puts in longer hours on the weekends.

“He is mentally and physically tough,” Chuck Williams said. “He sets his mind on something and does it.”

The Williams family will celebrate by staying at the Wynn Las Vegas Monday night and attending "Le Reve." He was awarded the hotel stay and show tickets for winning last year.

“This is always going to be a hobby,” Chris Williams said. “Too many people get too serious about this sport and have to take a step back and realize this is a hobby.”

All of the participants who finished received a shirt that identified them as a “Survivor” for completing the “world’s toughest full and half distance triathlon.”

The Silverman has grown in popularity because of the challenges it presents to the athletes, especially the elevation climb during parts of the 112-mile bike ride from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area into Henderson.

“There isn’t a flat section on the course,” said Frank Lowery, the race’s director and founder. “You are either going up or down. The racers like the challenge and like pushing their body to the limit.”

The event, which started with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Mead, had 904 participants registered. Last year, 790 participated. The race included full and half distances, categories for different age groups, relay events and races for participants with disabilities.

“Frank puts on a great race,” Chris Williams said. “Nothing is harder than fighting through those hills.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.