By Laurie Hallstrom

Twenty-five years ago, three individuals, Father Mark McCormick, then-pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hot Springs, (now he lives in Rapid City); John Blatchford, and Mark Rude (both from Hot Springs at that time) individually watched that year’s Kona Ironman (in Hawaii) on television and were so fired-up that they wanted to participate in the event. As they talked, they had a wild idea — create their own event. The Southern Hills Triathlon was born. The first triathlon was held on Labor Day weekend back in 1998 and two dozen people competed.

It has become the largest triathlon in S.D. This year 231 triathletes came from 12 states and Canada to converge on Hot Springs for the 25th Annual Southern Hills Triathlon. It was held at the Angostura State Recreation Area, Breakers Beach, Sep. 3.

“It was a very exciting year for racing — last year was a record year and now we are back stronger than ever,” said Brendan Murphy, former director of the Rapid City Newman Center, now race director of the Southern Hills Triathlon. “I am so excited that such an incredible number of people participated this Labor Day weekend. It was certainly an amazing event for sure!” This is Murphy’s second year as race director. He and his family are members of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Rapid City. “I wanted to take over this race because my very first triathlon was The Southern Hills Triathlon back in 1999. It is this very race that got me to love the sport of triathlon,” he said. Murphy said he intends on keeping the family-fun event thriving for many years to come.

Murphy has completed various triathlons over the past 22 years, including two 140.6 (total distance in miles) Ironman competitions in Florida and Colorado. He said he wanted to take over the race to get children and their families interested in fitness — this lifelong sport allows a family to swim, bike and run together. “It’s a fantastic way to get kids off their electronics, go outside, and explore the world they live in,” said Murphy.

Father McCormick was a special guest for the historic event and he shared with the participants and spectators how the race started 25 years ago. He then proceeded to give a special blessing over all those who participated in the event. “When Brendan reached out to me to be a special guest at this year’s event, I drove over to his house and saw all the great things he was doing for the race and I became super excited!” said Father McCormick. “The race medals are the real deal.”

Another founder, Blatchford, who now lives in Brookings, participated on a team this year.

“It is very exciting to see the sport grow, and the numbers here grow with it,” said Murphy. “I love participating in the sport of triathlon, but I really love seeing so many people come out and challenge themselves and display their love of fitness. I especially love to see the youth come out because that is the most fun part of the day in my opinion. They are the future of the sport!”

Athletes from ages 6 to 81 years old competed. There were 30 youth (ages 6-12), 37 individuals in the Olympic race, 99 individuals in the Sprint race and 35 collegiate athletes, along with four Olympic relay teams and six Sprint relay teams. The Sprint distance race included a ¼ mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and a 5K run. The Olympic distance race included a 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike ride and a 10K run. The youth race included a 100 yard swim, 5K bike ride and a 1 mile run.

For more information on the Southern Hills Triathlon visit the website: https://southernhillstri.com/ and Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ SouthernHillsTri/. To contact the race director, Brendan Murphy, call 605-393-5947 or email ironmanbtm2@gmail.com.