Leadman Triathlon winners announced

KELLOGG — A Spokane man won the 20th Leadman Triathlon at Silver Mountain Resort on Saturday.

For the fifth time in 10 years, Billy Morse Jr., 46, earned the fastest time. He clocked in at 53:50 over the 1.2 miles of skiing, 8 miles of biking and 4.2 miles of running.

“It’s really a race against yourself. The first two legs, you’re trying to conquer your fear, but by the time you get to the run, you’re just trying to tell your legs to move faster,” Morse Jr. said.

Leadman, an annual celebration of the mountain community, attracted 269 athletes from around the Pacific Northwest.

Bridger Labau of Spokane took second overall and first in his age group in 54:52, and Troy Braga of Coeur d’Alene finished third in 56:51.

Rebecca Dussault, a 43-year-old former Olympian and winter triathlon world champion from Sagle, bested the women’s field at 1:00.23. 

Emily Maiani of Rockford, Wash., came in second in 1:02.30, while Casey Carr of Coeur d’Alene took third in 1:04.25 time.

Dussault called it “one heck of a fun event.”

“Really felt the passion and professionalism from the director, volunteers and the resort. I will be back, bringing even more friends and family next year,” Dussault said.

Less than a minute separated the podiums in the children's division. Anselm Dussault, the son of Rebecca Dussault, took home the title at 1:02:34. Jack Armstrong, from Pullman, Wash., was only eight seconds behind in 1:02:34, and Seth Chamberlin of Cheney, Wash., finished at 1:03:12.

It took more than 100 volunteers to coordinate the race. Since 2005, over $200,000 has been donated from the proceeds of Leadman, which is usually hosted on the closing weekend of Silver Mountain Resort’s ski operations.

Leadman is presented by Dave Smith GMC and hosted by Silver Mountain Resort and the Rotary Club of Kellogg.

Jeff Colburn, general manager of Silver Mountain and Leadman director, pointed out that three of the fastest four times were from racers in the oldest age category.

“The podiums this year prove that you can’t coach experience. It was a perfect race day ... and after 20 years, it's great to see returning competitors every spring.”

Full results: my.raceresult.com/276378/.

    Female 16-30 winners: Theresa Adams, 1:04:43, Lynsey Petersen, 1:09:40, Brianna Waco, 1:10:33 placed in the Leadman Triathlon.
  

    Trevor Taylor, of Hayden, is sprayed at the finish line of the Leadman Triathlon.
  

    1.2 miles of skiing, 8 miles by bike, and 4.2 miles of running made up the Leadman Triathlon course Saturday at Silver Mountain Resort.
  

    The Queen and King of the Hill. Rebecca Dussault earned 1:00:23 and Billy Morse Jr. with 53:50 beat out the competition in their respective divisions in the Leadman Triathlon.