CLERMONT, Fla. – The day had finally arrived on Saturday. A July 1^st announcement that the University of Denver had received an Emerging Sport Grant to start a women's triathlon program, a COVID postponed Inaugural season and the announcement of a March start to Denver's schedule all culminated with the program's first race on Saturday afternoon in the Claremont Challenge.
 
"It was monumental for the University of Denver triathlon program to have our first race today," head coach Barbara Perkins said. "The conditions in the water were brutal but all three girls came out strong on the bike and really moved through the pack well on their run. I'm just so very proud of our team, and honored to coach this program. We are so thrilled to be a part of this emerging sport. It's a quick turnaround to tomorrow morning. I'm really looking forward to what this team and this sport can accomplish in the future."
 
Grace Arlandson was the first Pioneer to cross the finish line on Saturday, taking third in the Division I race with a total time of 1:08:20.1. Following an 11:40 750 meter swim, Arlandson biked the 20K in 32:43 and ran the 5K in 21:50.
 
Amanda Ballard was the next Denver triathlete across the line, clocking in at 1:08:59.4. Ballard completed her swim in 11:58, biked the 20K in 33:38 and was timed in 21:22 in the 5K. Ballard finished fifth among the Division I racers on Saturday.
 
Luma Randolph rounded out Denver's team on Saturday with a top-10 of her own in the Division I race, taking ninth with a time of 1:12:50.2. Randolph's splits were timed at 13:33 in the water, 33:49 on the bike and 23:09 on the ground.
 
Results are still unofficial and will be finalized later this weekend.
 
Race Format: The distances for the Clermont Challenge are a 750 meter swim, a 20K bike ride and a 5K run.
 
Up Next: Following the historic race on Saturday, the Pioneers will have a quick turnaround as they get right back into action on Sunday morning at 9:50 a.m. ET/7:50 a.m. MT.
 
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at
international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
 
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