Oklahomans Test Endurance In Tulsa Triathlon

By Jeffrey Smith, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Hundreds of Oklahomans turned out Sunday afternoon for the ultimate test of endurance.

SKYNEWS 6 caught all the action of the Tulsa Triathlon.

The course took up about 35 miles of Green Country, stretching from Skiatook Lake to downtown Tulsa.

One athlete, Emily Berglund, gave birth seven months ago. She says she was inspired to go for it -- swimming, biking and running.

She was one of 200 racers competing in Tulsa's largest triathlon. She had a special goal.

"Well, I just had a baby seven months ago, so I'm hoping to finish," said Emily Berglund.

It started in the water. High winds and choppy surf made the one mile swim challenging.

After the swim, getting on the bike was a race in itself.

It was a 25 mile ride from the chilly waters of Skiatook Lake to the beautiful skyline of downtown Tulsa.

"I don't get as much training in, so I'm a lot slower than I used to be, but I'm at least here doing it," said Berglund.

Some racers competed against the clock. Most were competing only against themselves.

"The challenge, just to get it done, that's my main deal. I don't want to win, I just want to get it done," said Josh Smith, triathlete.

Will Berry said all he thought about during the six mile run was crossing the finish line with his daughters.

"It's emotional, when you have them out here supporting you. And its father's day and you're doing what you want to do, and they're out here supporting my hobby," said Will Berry, triathlete.

Three hours and 45 minutes after the start, Emily Berglund finished.

"I needed to lose my pregnancy weight," said Berglund.

She said it was the hardest race she has ever done and she can't wait to start training for the next one.

This was the 27th year of the Tulsa Triathlon, but the course was recently changed to make it more challenging.

In the field of 200, there were two men who have competed in the race all 27 years.

It was a hot day for the triathlon. The heat got to at least one race participant.

EMSA treated a man for heat exhaustion during the triathlon.

EMSA says if you're going to be outdoors the next couple of days, take it easy and drink plenty of water.