Got Energy Triathlon tests athletes

Event raises money for La Crosse Area Family YMCA

WEST SALEM, Wis. — Sunday’s cooler weather helped area athletes complete a big challenge.

For the 14th year, the La Crosse Area Family YMCA held their Got Energy Triathlon Sunday.

The competition was held at Lake Nechonoc Swarthout Park in West Salem.

Athletes swam half a mile, drove 17 miles on bikes and ran 3.1 miles.

The event raises money for the YMCA’s annual campaign, as well as help people reach their fitness goals.

Organizers said the competition offers a tough test for the athletes.

“You’re doing three different legs. The swim, you start with that, it can take a lot out of you. You don’t have any break in-between,” Shawn McClone, community and special events director for the La Crosse Area Family YMCA, said. “You get on your bike and get going, and once you get done with the bike, you go right to the run, so it’s continuous. It’s three different disciplines, so it’s a really good test for your body.”

Around 180 athletes participated in this year’s event.

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