Lake to Lake Triathlon Celebrates Endurance and Community Spirit
On a sunny Saturday that marked the 24th annual Lake to Lake triathlon, the community of Loveland witnessed a spectacle of endurance and spirit. Among the participants was Eileen Croissant, an 84-year-old dynamo from Glen Haven, who completed the sprint course in an impressive 2 hours and 27 minutes, outpacing many competitors decades her junior. This event, held in the picturesque settings of Lake Loveland and Horsetooth Reservoir, drew over 600 participants, showcasing a blend of elite athleticism and community spirit.
Eileen, who began her triathlon journey in her 40s, has not let age dictate her limits. After a brief retirement from the sport, she plunged back into triathlon at 70 and has been an active participant ever since. Her training regimen includes biking, running, and swimming twice a week, either in Greeley or Estes Park. Despite finding running challenging, Eileen's passion for swimming and biking shines through as she describes the joy of being in the middle of the water.
The event also marked a significant transition as Peggy Shockley, the founder of the Lake to Lake triathlon, organized her final race. After two decades, she's passing the baton to Loveland's Sweetheart Racing, confident that the event's legacy of community and family-friendly atmosphere will continue.
This year's triathlon not only celebrated athletic prowess but also underscored the inclusive nature of the sport, welcoming participants across various age groups and skill levels. The sprint course featured a 750-meter swim, a 15-mile bike ride, and a 5K run, with an "aqua bike" division for those focusing on swimming and cycling.
As the community cheered and competitors pushed their limits, the Lake to Lake triathlon stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of its participants and the unifying power of sports. Eileen Croissant, with her remarkable performance and undeterred enthusiasm, serves as a living reminder that age is just a number, and passion knows no bounds.
For those inspired by this story or looking for detailed results, further information can be found at the official results page for the event.
What is the Lake to Lake triathlon?
The Lake to Lake triathlon is an annual event held in Loveland, Colorado. It attracts athletes of all ages and features a swim in Lake Loveland, a bike ride to Horsetooth Reservoir, and a run around the lake. The event includes both an Olympic distance course and a sprint course.
Who was the inspirational athlete featured in the 2024 Lake to Lake triathlon?
Eileen Croissant, an 84-year-old resident of Glen Haven, was the inspirational athlete at the 2024 Lake to Lake triathlon. She completed the sprint course in 2 hours and 27 minutes, outpacing many younger competitors.
How many participants were there in the 24th annual Lake to Lake triathlon?
The 24th annual Lake to Lake triathlon had more than 600 participants. Over 200 of them completed the Olympic distance course while others took part in the sprint course and the "aqua bike" division.
What are the distances for the Olympic and sprint courses in the Lake to Lake triathlon?
The Olympic distance course includes a 1.5K swim, a 30-mile bike ride, and a 10K run. The sprint course, which is half of the Olympic distance, includes a 750-meter swim, a 15-mile bike ride, and a 5K run.
Who founded the Lake to Lake triathlon and what is happening to the event now?
The Lake to Lake triathlon was founded by Peggy Shockley in 2001. After running the event for over two decades, Shockley is passing the baton to Loveland’s Sweetheart Racing to keep it as a community event.
How does Eileen Croissant train for triathlons?
Eileen Croissant trains for triathlons by biking, running, and swimming twice per week. She often practices in Greeley or Estes Park and prefers biking and swimming over running.
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