Russells dominate Jakes Off-Road Triathlon

It was a successful family affair at the 27th staging of the Jakes Off-Road Triathlon in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, at the weekend as Carlisle Russell and his son, Elisha, won their respective categories with daughter Melaika finishing second in her category.

Veteran Russell was securing a hat-trick of titles after finishing the 300-metre open water swim in Great Bay as well as the 25 kilometres off the road and mountain bike ride and the seven-kilometre trail run in one hour, 28 minutes and 46 seconds.

Ten-year-old Elisha beat out five other competitors for the ‘Little Jakes’ 12-and-under triathlon while 16-year-old Melaika finished the course in one hour, 47 minutes and three seconds for the runner-up spot behind Canadian winner Laura Cousineau, who clocked one hour, 45 minutes and 29 seconds.

For the elder Russell, winning his fourth Jakes Off-Road triathlon with his family also sharing success, is a wonderful feeling.

‘FAMILY AFFAIR’

“I feel good to know that my kids are taking on to triathlon as well. It was my son’s first time after doing a mock event in Portmore, and my daughter has been involved since she was six years old, so it is surely a family affair.”

Russell added that the course was tough, but the one-hour earlier start this year made the event a lot more manageable.

“The swim is not my thing, but I transitioned on to the bike well, and that allowed me to get a sizeable lead, which made the run easier,” he said.

After finishing second on a couple of occasions, Canadian Cousineau dethroned defending champion Elizabeth Mondon, who had some issues on her bike ride.

“It was an amazing experience, and it feels great to win,” said Cousineau. “I feel I won because of the unfortunate event with Elizabeth getting a flat tire, but sometimes another person’s bad luck is your good luck.”

In the meantime, Sam Wates took second place on the men’s side with team ‘No Place Like Home’ taking the male team relay. The female team relay title went to team ‘Mental Pot’ and team ‘High Velocity’ took the mixed triathlon relay.

Event organiser Jason Henzell beamed with pride as he and his team wrapped up another successful staging of the triathlon, which garnered interest from 108 participants this year from as far as the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, and Colombia.

“It was a fantastic event, and I am so pleased to see so many returning visitors who came specifically to Jamaica and Treasure Beach to be a part of this historic event that continues to contribute to community tourism,” Henzell said.