Lance Fargo wins national triathlon titles; Last Blast takes off Aug. 30

Age-group triathlete and Seashore Striders racer Lance Fargo collected two national titles Aug. 23 and 24 at the USA Triathlon Clydesdale and Athena National Championships, held in conjunction with the Tri Arkansas International Distance Triathlon, and the DeGray Lake Sprint Triathlon. Fargo, out of Ocean View, claimed the overall win among the men in the Aug. 23 distance event with a time of 2:34:08, also topping the Clydesdale 40-59 division. With the performance, Fargo successfully defended his 2013 national title.

The following day, Fargo followed up with a win in the sprint championship event, featuring a 500-yard swim, 16-mile bike and 3.5-mile run. Fargo crossed the line in 1:22:06, more than four minutes clear of the field.

The Clydesdale and Athena competitive divisions are based on weight minimums outlined in the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules. Athletes competing in the Clydesdale division must be a minimum of 220 pounds to race. The Clydesdale Nationals was held as a standalone event for the first time this year. Congratulations to Fargo for putting Delaware on the map.

USA Triathlon serves 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 races and connects with nearly 500,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world.

Dewey Beach Sprint Triathlon

The 18th Annual Dewey Beach Sprint Triathlon is scheduled to take place Saturday, Sept. 13. The event consists of a half-mile swim, 3.5- mile run and 16-mile bike. It begins and ends at Delaware Seashore State Park, Tower Road. It is an annual fundraiser for the Sussex Family YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign and to date has raised over $250,000.

“This event has sustained virtually every weather condition expected in the fall. Fingers crossed that it is mild the weekend of the triathlon,” said Race Director Ava Cannon.

This year there will be a limited number of registrations allowed at packet pickup at the Sussex Family YMCA at 20080 Church St. in Rehoboth from 3 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12. Approximately 800 are expected to participate, including relay team members.

Some traffic congestion can be expected from about 7:30 to 11 a.m. on the morning of the event, so plan accordingly. Spectators can watch along the beach or streets of Dewey or at the transition area in the state park. Spectators are encouraged to bike or walk to the park, as parking is very limited. A post party is held for participants, and others are welcome to attend for $5.

Go to www.deweybeachtriathlon.com to see how to be involved, or call 302-296-YMCA.

Clinic for runners

Several local businesses, and running and walking promoters and enthusiasts will come together at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Lewes office of Orthopedic Associates to discuss topics related to running and running injuries.

Mary Beth Evans of the Rehoboth Beach Running Company, co-director of the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon, will talk about training shoes for runners. Bob Cairo will discuss active release massage, while Claire Capobianco will talk about orthotics. Host John Spieker will discuss acupuncture for overuse injuries.  Orthopedic Associates is at 17005 Old Orchard Road in Lewes. The clinic is free to the public, and information should be beneficial to area runners and walkers.

Last Blast Prediction 5K

An interesting run Saturday, Aug. 30, will close out the summer series for the Seashore Striders as the 24th Last Blast Prediction 5K will kick off from Grove Park at 7:30 a.m. in Rehoboth Beach. Series awards will be presented following the race as well as overall awards.

The prediction event is exactly what the title says. Runners predict their 5K times, and the top 20 closest to their predicted times are the winners. The participants race with no mile markers, no watches or GPS devices, no splits, no headsets, no accurate finish clock and no luck.

“We hold this event every year, and it is amazing how close the runners come to their times,” said Rich Tikiob. “A few years back, the top 10 overall were all within three or four seconds of their predicted times.”

Registration will begin at 6:15 a.m. with the event starting at 7:30. Parking will be on Rehoboth Avenue as Grove Park will fill up faster than you can say, "Ready, set, go!"

Upcoming races

8 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 31, 2nd Summer’s End 5K, Jimmy’s Grille, Dewey Beach, www.races2run.com.

8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 6, 38th Gary P. Lister Bottle & Cork 10M/5K, Bottle & Cork, Dewey Beach, www.races2run.com.

6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11, First Red, White, & Blue 5K Run/Walk, Delaware Tech, Georgetown. www.seashorestriders.com.

8:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 14, 11th Cannonball 5K Run & Trenny Elliott Memorial Walk, Lewes. www.seashorestriders.com.