Hite qualifies for World Duathlon Championships

Local runner and cyclist Jim Hite, along with over 300 athletes from the Southeast and across the country, fought brutal weather conditions to finish third in the 70-74 age group at Powerman Alabama Sunday, April 15.

The event, which consisted of an 8-kilometer run (5 miles), 55- kilometer bike (34.2 miles) and another 8-kilometer run, was held in Irondale, Ala.

The official temperature at the 7:45 a.m. start was 41 degrees, winds were 20-30 mph, with gusts reported at 45 mph, and light and light to heavy rain was intermittent throughout the event.

Hite's time was 4:18:59. He made good time until about the 25-mile mark on the bike, when a turn into the wind, heavy rain and a long uphill climb slowed his pace considerably. As he was unable to get his freezing hands to open the snap on his bike helmet during the transition to the second run, a bystander had to help. However, he was not the only one in that situation; the second place male winner ran the last 8 kilometers with his helmet on.

Changing into running shoes also proved extremely difficult. The weather conditions caused many to drop out of the race after the first run or after the first loop of the bike course. Also, several who had signed up just didn't show.

The top three finishers in each five-year age group qualified for the World Duathlon Championship to be held in Gyro, Hungary on May 20. The event will consist of a 10-kilometer run, 40-kilometer bike and a 5-kilometer run.