“I plan to finish first in my age group of women, “ predicted Carol Gragert of Elk River and senior branch office administrator at Edward Jones-Big Lake.  

“I set the age group record for 65-69 year-olds two years ago at this triathlon.  While I haven’t practiced as much this summer, I still want to win!” 

And Gragert did win first place in her age group in the sprint category at Saturday’s Graniteman Triathlon in Big Lake.  She finished the one-third mile swim, the 14.5 mile bike run and the three-mile run in just one hour and 41 minutes, only three and a half minutes longer than her record.

John Kallemeyn, Nathan Overby and Scott MacKenzie, all of Big Lake, won first place in their age categories.  Overby placed seventh historically with his time of 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Competing in his first year, Steven Wert of Waconia also placed third place overall in the sprint category for his age group, finishing in one hour and 12 minutes. His cousin Brittany Ratke of Big Lake and her children cheered him on.

Over 220 athletes competed in Big Lake, with 64 in the Olympic category, which included swimming almost a mile, biking 25 miles and running 6 miles.  

Corey Gagner of Ramsey won third place in the men’s 30-34 division of those competing in the Olympic event. He ran Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth in June and his personal goal was to complete a thiathlon by his 30th birthday, which was Saturday.  He finished in two hours and 47 minutes.

Sara Laugen of Big Lake was one of 26 women competing in the Olympic event.  She won first place in the athena category, finishing in two hours and 53 minutes.

Dennis Bloch of Becker was third in his age group of men.

Spencer Vold at 14 years old was the youngest teenager of Big Lake, winning third place of six competitors in his age group. Jaden Anderson at age 16 was the youngest female athlete from Big Lake finishing the triathlon.  

Other athletes finishing the triathlon from Big Lake were James Abfalter, Jason Anderson, Michael Oneil, Kamryn Robarge, and Jeremy Schuman.