Con Diamond has won more medals at the Nelson Cyswog’n’Fun triathlon than any other participant in the history of the event. Years ago he even shared gold with his wife Linda Jamison, and he rarely misses the annual race. He estimates he’s competed in over twenty triathlons, if not more. But he said the medals are beside the point.
“It’s very well run. I think if you’re going to give away medals, you should give them to the the volunteers and the people who organize it. It’s a great venue, it’s good to see people come out and build teams. It’s just a really nice atmosphere.”
The Sunday race, which begins at Lakeside Park at 8 a.m., is broken down into two categories: short course and long course.
The short course race consists of 500 metre swim, 22 km cycle and a 5km run. The long course is nearly double that, with a 1.5 km swim, 39 km cycle and 10 km run.
The 66-year-old athlete primarily focuses on the cycling component of the event.
“I’m not a very good swimmer. I’m a long time in the water. I’m a good cyclist because that’s what I do year round. When I come out of the water there’s no bikes left on the racks, but then I catch a bunch of people on the bike and suffer through the run.”
Regardless of the pain, he said he enjoys every aspect of the race.
“The whole thing is a beautiful run and the cycling is really pretty. It’s a great place to go for a ride and a run.”
He said his advice to those who are considering participating this year: “Race now, train later.”
“Just try it. If you haven’t invested a whole year of training you just go around, and if it doesn’t work for you then you can train next year,” he said.
And since the emphasis is on fun, and bringing together athletes from the community, those who aren’t as competitive will still have a great time.
For more information visit the Nelson Cyswog’n’Fun website.
2014 SCHEDULE
6 am Rack your bike, set up transition
6:30 am Body marking and chip pick up
7 am Pre-race massage available
7:50 am Warm-up over, return to beach, assemble
8 a.m Olympic distance triathlon begins
8:30 a.m. Sprint distance triathlon begins
9 a.m. Post-race refreshment opens – Flagpole
11 a.m. Luncheon begins – Rotary Shelter area
12 p.m. Finish line closes
12:30 p.m. Awards ceremony with bike draw