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BigFish Triathlon held in Mayville

Submitted Photo Mindy Crabtree-Lawson, left, received the inaugural Val Jackson Award in memory of the late Valerie Jackson, CEO at Westfield Hospital.

Special to The OBSERVER

MAYVILLE — The seventh annual BigFish Triathlon was held Saturday, June 15 at Mayville Lakeside Park. 108 participants competed in the Olympic and Sprint distance races, braving 63-degree water temperature and a windy bike and run course. 151 community volunteers, including local fire companies as well as the Sheriffs Dive Team and “Explorers” provided water safety, route control and overall safety for the triathletes. Ryan Tober and Susan Bentley were the first overall male and female competitors in the Olympic distance race while Christian Edborg and Stephanie Montgomery led the Sprint finishers.

A special award was given to Paul Rossi, in memory of Rose Billquist. Rossi is a first-time finisher who exemplified the courage and enthusiasm that Billquist showed as a first time contestant at Bigfish a few years ago. Mindy Crabtree-Lawson received the first Val Jackson Award in memory of the late Valerie Jackson, CEO at Westfield Hospital. Crabtree-Lawson, an avid runner, cyclist and recent Ironman Finisher, epitomizes Val’s dedication to health and fitness.

The race was supported by generous donations from Alegheny Health Network, Westfield Hospital Medical Staff, Independent Health Association, Cassella, Shultz Auto, UPMC/WCA Foundation, Northwest Savings Bank, Family Health Medical Services, Hope’s Windows, Willcare and GPP PLCC. Local prizes for the contestants were donated by Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Marina, Chautauqua Liquors, Stedman Coffee Roasters, Webbs, The Grape Discovery Center, Southern Tier Brewery, Bag and String Wine Merchants and Borsari Spices. Food for the athletes and volunteers was provided by donations from Lincare, Maplevale and Upstate dairies.

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