Southeast Missourian

Today top endurance athletes from around the three-state area will compete today in the Trail of Tears Triathlon, an event that combines a half-mile swim, a 15-mile bike ride and four-mile run at Trail of Tears State Park.

Event coordinator Chris Eastridge said that because the event is sanctioned by USA Triathlon, the governing body of the sport, it attracts some of the top triathletes from around the region.

"We get a lot of elite ones," he said.

Last year's top time was 1 hour, 12 minutes and 40 seconds, turned in by Rick Barnes of St. Louis. The top female finisher was Julie Smith of Imperial, Mo., who won in 1:31:27. Alan Shearon of Jackson, Mo., was the top local finisher in 1:27:24.

For Phillip Patterson of Scott City, part of last year's men's team champion, the chance to be able to watch the best athletes from the state is a reason to compete.

"I just like to watch the other competitors," he said.

Patterson, who competes in the running portion of the event, will be back today.

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department has sponsored the Trail of Tears Triathlon for the past 14 years. The race will start at Lake Boutin in Trail of Tears Park, and will stay around the park area.

Eastridge said the Trail of Tears Triathlon has grown nearly every year since its start.

"The first year we had around 60 people," he said. "Now we have nearly 200."

Eastridge said he expects 180 to 200 competitors for today.

Prizes will be awarded to the overall men's and women's champion, along with the top five finishers in each age division and for the winners of the men's, women's and co-ed team competition.

Eastridge said that the Parks and Recreation Department prides itself in this event because it brings so many visitors and overall positives to Cape Girardeau.

"It's good for the community," he said. "There are people from about 10 states competing, so it brings money into the community."

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171