SPICER -- Phil Cleary, 19, of Willmar won't defend his crown in the Sprint Race at the Green Lake Triathlon on Sunday, starting at 8 a.m, an hour earlier than past triathlons.
"I'm going to do the Olympic Course this time," he said Tuesday. "So I'm not defending."
The Olympic course takes an hour longer, on average, than the Sprint.
Last year was the first time for the long course. It's a three-quarter-mile swim (think a little more than a thousand yards), two laps of the lake (24 miles) and a six-mile jaunt out and back on Lake Avenue.
After his victory last year, Cleary went to Gustavus Adolphus College where he joined both the cross-country squad and the nordic ski team.
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Because of commitments the two sports, he's backed off on the intense triathlon schedule he followed last year.
"My coaches told me it wouldn't be wise to train hard for 11 out of 12 months a year," he said. "I backed off in the spring and am just coming into shape now."
He did two triathlons in May and the Albert Lea triathlon in July. Late next week, he'll do the Detroit Lakes Young Life Triathlon.
Randy Hall, who lives on Eagle Lakes outside Willmar, was the second oldest competitor on the Olympic Course last year.
Hall, 58, is back for more.
The retired teacher and track coach, is in "fighting shape" after competing last month in the Minnesota Senior Games at Alexandria. He was in four bike races plus two running races.
He swims at the YMCA to prepare for his least favorite leg. He also leads a spin class once a week at the Y.
"It's a great conditioner and so much fun," he said of biking in place to music.
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Registration closed for the Sunday's event on Thursday. Promoter Dave Baker had registered roughly 350 by Wednesday afternoon plus 100 individuals in relays.
The Kids Triathlon on Saturday remains open. Walk-up sign-up starts at 8 a.m. and racing by age group begins at 9 a.m.
Volunteers in pontoons are still needed for Sunday morning's swim leg. Call Melvin's on the Lake at 796-2195.
