Before the sun rises this Fourth of July, Farmington resident David Montoya will climb into his vehicle and travel roughly 70 miles to compete in the Cortez Burst Triathlon for the seventh time in the past eight years.
As a competitor in the Burst’s adult division, Montoya will be required to swim 500 meters in the Cortez Municipal Pool before completing a 12-mile bike ride and 3-mile run, which will end at Centennial Park.
“I’ve been competing in triathlons for about 15 years, and the (Cortez Burst Triathlon) is one of my favorites,” Montoya said. “It’s a fast bike course, and the run course is awesome. Running, biking and swimming are my passions, and the Burst is a great event.”
To prepare for this year’s Burst, Montoya has been biking and running a few times each week while swimming an average of four out of every seven days.
The 57-year-old power-plant worker also competes in several triathlons in the spring and summer, which allows him to remain in peak condition.
“Swimming is an exercise that works everything, so I try to swim as much as possible,” Montoya said. “The biking and the running is more strenuous and harder on your joints and muscles, so you have to give yourself some rest in between.”
According to organizers, 50 individuals have signed up for this year’s Cortez triathlon, and at least 85 competitors are expected to participate on race day.
Included in this year’s event will be a division for 6- to 10-year-olds, which will require competitors to swim 100-meters, bike 1 mile and run 1 mile. The division for 11- to 14-year-olds will require competitors to swim 300 meters, bike 3 miles and run 1.5 miles.
Teams of two or three individuals will also be allowed to compete in this year’s Burst triathlon, as will competitors participating in the Southwest Colorado Triathlon Series, which include event in Durango, Gunnison and Montrose.
Organizers emphasized that no race for kids under 6 years old will be offered on July 3.
“A nice thing about the Burst is that while it is a challenge, you don’t need to be an uber-athlete to compete,” said Dr. Kim Parr, who will compete in this year’s event. “Finishing any triathlon is a self-esteem builder for sure.”
Proceeds generated by this year’s Burst will be donated to the Friends of Recreation, a local nonprofit that raises money for scholarships to the Cortez Recreation Center and other local recreational programs.
Those interested in participating in this year’s Burst are encouraged to register online at www.corteztri.com by 7 p.m. on July 3.