Redemption and Celebration Highlight Jack’s Generic Triathlon

07 Aug Redemption and Celebration Highlight Jack’s Generic Triathlon

Athletes triumph over personal challenges at the 15th anniversary  

On Sunday, August 6th, more than 600 athletes participated in the 15th Annual Jack’s Generic Triathlon (JGT) at Lake Pflugerville – near Austin, Texas. Numerous athletes, including Amy Marsh, 4x IRONMAN Champion and Acute Myeloid Leukemia survivor, competed against themselves, a steady wind, and the rest of the field to accomplish personal bests, earn awards, complete their first triathlon, or overcome personal challenges.

Laurie and Matt Allen celebrating post-race.

An exclamation point was placed on the 15th Anniversary of Jack’s Generic Tri as the Austin endurance community came together to celebrate the return of one of their own, Laurie Allen. Allen, who has quadriplegia stemming from a February 2015 incident, finished a modified version of the sprint course in 2:00:00. Allen is a 9-time IRONMAN finisher and 9-time IRONMAN 70.3 finisher. Watch Allen cross the finish line around the four minute mark.

“This day was better than I even imagined it was going to be,” said Allen. “Coming into the finish line, seeing and hearing everybody, crossing the finish [line] and having Jack [Murray] give me my medal, I’d say today was better than crossing an IRONMAN finish line.”

Paul “Barny” Matthews took the overall victory with the time of 1:53:18. Second and third place went to Antonio Ferreira Da Silva Neto and Brendan Loehr, who crossed the finish line in 1:56:01 and 1:58:13 respectively. The women’s podium was topped by Natasha Van Der Merwe who had a winning time of 2:07:15. Second place finisher Des Berry (2:09:57) and third place finisher Fernanda Bau (2:10:24) rounded out the women’s field. Austinites Adrian Cameron (1:00:21) and Margaret Finley (1:04:40) were the male and female sprint champs.

Paul “Barny” Matthews speaking with FOX7 before JGT.

“I had a lot of fun out there and got to finish with my two-year-old daughter, who almost ran across the finish line with me, but I had to pick her up a few feet before,” said Williams, who placed fourth overall at IRONMAN 70.3 Ecuador on 7/30. “I really enjoyed the 15th edition of Jack’s Generic Triathlon.”

Participants received 15th Anniversary shirts and reusable bags, glow-in-the-dark water bottles, swim caps, beer, finisher’s medal, post-race food, and the signature swag toss. Professional timing, a wonderful volunteer crew, hundreds of supportive spectators, and an electric finish line festival made the 15th Anniversary of Jack’s Generic Triathlon special.

“When we first produced this event in 2003 it was a cumulation of everything that Stacy, my business partner/wife, and I had learned over the years,” said Jack Murray, co-owner of High Five Events. “Today, Jack’s Generic Tri remains the foundation of every event we produce in that no detail is too small and we strive to provide our customers with a first-class experience.”

Post-race chat with Desiree Berry (left) and Amy Marsh (right).

The athletes completed sprint (500m swim, 12.9 mile bike, 3 mile run), intermediate (1000m swim, 25.8 mile bike, 6 mile run), and aquabike (1000m swim, 25.8 mile bike) distances and enjoyed one of the best post-race parties in Central Texas. The High Five Events crew spent the better part of race week removing much of the disliked hydrilla that is known to overtake Lake Pflugerville.

Jack’s Generic Tri would like to thank all of the volunteers for coming out and making yesterday’s event memorable. Their willingness to arrive extra early, lend their time and energy, and cheer on every participant truly made the 15th anniversary unforgettable. JGT would also like to thank sponsors Third Base Sports, Clif Bar, Oskar Blues Brewery Austin, SPIbelt, nuun hydration, Ben Phillips, Real Estate Advisor for Engel and Volkers Austin, Little River Healthcare, State Cycling Wheels, City Limit Cycles, and Medicine in Motion.

Jack’s Generic Triathlon participants can see their times here.