Big Lake champion claims sixth title

BIG LAKE — Move over, sonny, gramps is winning another race.

Like a fine wine, veteran Anchorage triathlete Jens Beck seems to get better with age. That’s why it was no surprise Beck won Sunday’s Big Lake Triathlon for the sixth time. And he doesn’t mind a little good-natured ribbing from the younger athletes on the course.

“I love it, absolutely,” he said. “I don’t mind it. Triathlon is one of those sports where there are lots of older people who still do really well.”

Beck’s time of 56 minutes, 36 seconds was slightly slower than his winning time of 55:59.67 last year, but that can be attributed to Sunday’s rain-drenched course. In fact, finishing second was Andrew Duenow, who at age 45 turned in a time of 1:00:31.

“He’s my hero,” Beck said. “He’s 45 and he’s getting faster every year.”

Beck may be hitting his stride now, but wouldn’t be surprised if someone else were to claim title to the Big Lake crown before too long.

“I’m getting older and everybody’s getting faster, so I’m trying,” he said. “I’m not getting faster at the same rate everybody else is getting faster. We have a lot of really good, young, talented triathletes. It keeps me honest.”

It was Mother Nature keeping racers honest on Sunday with a steady rain and cool 51-degree temperature. About 65 hardy athletes showed up, down from previous years, said race organizer Kathleen Cole.

The weather perhaps wasn’t great for record times, “but the course is really good, really nice,” Cole said.

In addition to the rain, racers started about 30 minutes late as officials waited for the Mat-Su Borough water rescue team to arrive. As a precaution, the team is on hand in case any emergencies arise during the swim stage of the triathlon. Another call earlier in the morning for the team pushed the start back.

“I feel like it was sort of like a full moon effect that started steamrolling,” Cole said. Because the race began a little late, some on the second road bike leg ran into traffic from local churches letting out.

“Despite the pouring rain, I think everybody had fun,” Cole said. “Big Lake is a small community that comes out and cheers them all. It’s all a fund-raiser for local programs.”

It’s that small-town feel that keeps Beck coming back each year, he said.

“I love that race. It has the right atmosphere,” he said. “I like the triathlons that are in the lakes. Big Lake is a beautiful, beautiful lake. The course is nice, it’s fast. Then afterwards, you hang out.”

With its 900 meter swim, 25k bike ride and 5k run, the Big Lake Triathlon is considered a short race, Beck said. “It’s a sprint, really.”

While Beck’s fast finish was enough to keep him warm — except for his feet — the cold and rain seemed a little daunting to others before the start.

“I grew up swimming in lakes in Minnesota, so I’m used to swimming in cold water,” said second-year Big Lake triathlete Mick Makker of Anchorage. “But it’s not going to make it fun for the bike, that’s for sure. It’ll be a lot colder on the bike because you’re moving at a lot higher speeds.”

Although this marked the Big Lake Triathlon’s 10th anniversary, it was the first for Jeannette Duenow. The rain didn’t bother her much, “because we’re already wet, so it’s great.”

The cold, however, was another matter. With most wearing insulated wet suits, the first swim leg wasn’t too bad, she said.

“It’s so cold, but once you get in you’ll wake up. Now that guy,” she said, pointing to a bare-skinned swimmer, “he’s crazy. He doesn’t have a wet suit on.”

Big Lake Triathlon

Sunday, Big Lake

Men

1. Jens Beck, 56.36; 2. Andrew Duenow, 1:00.31; 3. Jason Lamoreaux, 1:00.34.

Women

1. Jenny Kimball; 2. Amber Stull; 3. Angela Elmore.

Note: Due to a computer malfunction at the Big Lake Triathlon committee, final times for all finishers were not known as of press time Monday.