Racin' toward the finish

Despite cool weather and light rain, weather wasn't a factor for the dedicated competitors that participated in this weekends Dash for the Splash hosted by Sidney Regional Medical Center(SRMC).

"The weather did not impact us in the least and our participation increased this year over last," Director of marketing and public relations for SRMC, Evie Ranslem-Parsons said.

Participants donned their athletic wear early Saturday morning to compete in the 3rd annual triathlon.

The super sprint, or shorter version of a traditional triathlon, began at 7:30 a.m. with ages 14-34 and 35+. Participants in this category had a 250 meter swim, eight mile bike ride and two mile run.

Younger participants had a shorter but no less daunting sporting event to participate in. Ages 8-10 participated in a 50-meter swim, 1-mile bike, 1-mile run, while the 11-13 age group had a 100-meter swim, 2-mile bike, 1-mile run.

Youth competitors ended their tireless efforts by receiving their medals at the bottom of the big blue water slide at the Sidney Aquatic Center.

Parts of Fort Sidney Road and other areas around the Park and Aquatic center were shut down for the event. Sidney Police officers were out on the roads directing traffic and keeping participants safe.

"The event was organized well and it was a great group of volunteers to work with" Sidney Police Chief Joe Aikens said. "I look forward to working with them in the future."

Ranslem-Parsons said there were 174 participants and 55 volunteers for this years event.

Beginning in 2014 as part of several Community Health Needs Assessment initiatives for SRMC, in its inaugural year the event brought in $2,000.

"This was also seen as a way to give back to the community of Sidney, as the proceeds have been donated to the new pool and Deadwood Trail expansion projects," Norton said.

For participants preferring to share the work load, the option was given to sign up as a three-person team was available. In the team competition, each member choose to either swim, ride or run.

In the individual triathlon for age category 35+ for the men Joe Jerman took first with a time of 49:21, Tory Racines second with 53:02. Women's first for the 35+ category was Wendy Jerman with a time of 54:49, second was Dana Streff with 56:37.

Ages 14-34 mens first place was and overall best time was Spencer Samuelson with a time of 45:00, second was Nathan Ostdiek. For the Woman ages 14-34 first place was Johanna Harris with a time of 54:19, second was Charlie Brockhaus with 56:19.

In relay teams for the mixed age category Team Castner took first with a time of 43:40 and Team Firebirds came in second with 47:01.

Youth Triathlon ages 11-13 held a tight race with first place winner Tyne Stokes coming in just five seconds before second place Jaeden Dillehay. Stokes with a time of 22:25 and Dillehay with 22:30. Girls second place position for ages 11-13 was Elizabeth Weimer with a time of 24:06 and second place for the boys was Jaiden Bell with 24:32.

Relay winners for 11-13 in first place Team Borchard with a time of 19:00 and in a second Team Haley with 26:28.

Youngest competitor group of the event ages 8-10 finished up the event. Winners in the age group were, first place Kayla Westby with a time of 12:07 and second place Adian Shutts with 12:12. Second place for the girls was Ryan Dillehay with 15:11 and for second place for the boys was Chance Houser with a time of 13:17.

Ranslem-Parsons said prizes were awarded to top two in each category for males and females and top two adult teams as well as the top youth team.

More results are on sports.