Article by Daric Schmitz & Frank Uyeda

By the time the sun peaked above the horizon at Fiesta Island on the morning of February 21, 2009, hundreds of athletes were already anxious to start the 3^rd Annual Tritonman Triathlon. Many had arrived when the island first opened, and wasted little time claiming the best locations in the transition area, warming up and performing their last minute pre-race rituals. It was clear that everyone had one thing in mind: how to navigate the 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run as fast as possible.

After weeks of planning and preparation, the UCSD Triathlon Team was finally ready to kick off the 3^rd edition of their annual race. Top collegiate triathlon teams had assembled in San Diego from UCLA, USC, UC San Barbara, and CalPoly San Luis Obsipo to battle against each other and an array of local pro and amateur triathletes.

With an anxious field raring to go on the shores of Mission Bay, professional triathlete and race announcer, Jim Vance, finally gave the word and the waters of the bay were rudely awaken from their early morning calm. The collegiate men were first in the water, with the remaining divisions following at four minute intervals.

After braving the swim, athletes streamed through the transition area, peeling off wetsuits and strapping on helmets. Led by athletes from UCLA, the competitors began to power through three flat loops of the island. After another quick transition, competitors raced through a fast out and back 5 km run. UCLA's Brady O'Bryan and Brittany Day carried the day in the Collegiate Men's and Women's races, respectively.

In keeping with tradition, the post-race festivities were filled with crazy competitions, such as a couples wheel barrow race and a push up contest. In the end, awards were distributed to the top finishers in each division.

A special thanks is certainly owed to our race director, Andrew Radin, for the countless hours he put into making the race possible, team President Sante Kotturi and Vice President Frank Uyeda for all their help organizing people and making sure things got done, and to Jim Vance who never seems to run out of enthusiasm on the mic or crazy ideas for our awards ceremony. Thank you also to the whole UCSD Triathlon Team for all the hard work that made this year's event a huge success!