Photo: Jason Haggard took 2nd at the Clarksville Duathlon

Rains can't keep runners from helping Fisher House

Weather doesn't bother participants in 2nd Duathon

By JAKE LOWARY • The Leaf-Chronicle • May 3, 2009

By now the athletes who take part in the Clarksville Multisport Club Duathon are prepared for foul weather.

Saturday was no exception, but the athletes turned out again at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery for the thrill of competition and a just cause.

Photo: Athletes begin the second Clarksville Multisport Club Duathon Saturday morning at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery. The proceeds from the event go to the Fisher House at Fort Campbell. (Jake Lowary/The Leaf-Chronicle)

About two-dozen people took part in the duathon on Saturday, which consisted of a two-mile run, 13-mile bike ride and another two-mile run. All of the proceeds from registration fees went to the Fisher House at Fort Campbell.

"I like the run, I like the people," said Jason Haggard, who took part for the second year.

"(The Fisher House) is just an added benefit I don't mind spending my money on."

Haggard said Saturday's event, which saw a light sprinkle and temperatures hovering around 60 degrees was much better in terms of weather.

"Last year there was a tornado the night before the run," he said.

Most of the participants said they didn't mind the weather, and once the duathon began, cold was not an issue.

Photo: Taryn Cleaves prepares for the Clarksville Multisport Club Duathon on Saturday morning at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery. (Jake Lowary/The Leaf-Chronicle)

Maria Duncan, a Fisher House volunteer, said the weather was probably a factor in the turnout, but was appreciative of everyone who joined the event.

"We probably could have had more if the weather was nicer, but I'm impressed with the number that came out," she said.

Charity Lent, one of the lead organizers, said the Fisher House was chosen because most of the participants are connected to the military in some way. The total amount raised for the Fisher House wasn't immediately known, she said.

Either way, there was a friendly contest brewing at Beachaven. "Some of them are heavy-hitters when it comes to competition," she said.