<I>The Eagle/Cheryl Hoefler</I><BR>Andrea Janssen is all smiles during the run portion of the triathlon, which raised funds to support the needy, both locally, and in Ethiopia.

JOHN DAY – For the second year, individuals challenged themselves and helped make a difference.

Twenty people participated individually or in teams to conquer 10 laps at Gleason Pool, bicycle 20 kilometers and run 5 kilometers in the Second Annual John Day Triathlon for Hunger, held Saturday, Aug. 21.

The sprint-length triathlon event raised $1,300 for local food banks and the Holt Ethiopia family preservation program.

The youngest participants included Isaac, Zerihun and Titaya Janssen, ages 4, 3 and 2, riding with their parents on the biking portion.

The men’s winner was Ryan Carrasco at 1:04:16, while Kim Ward won the women’s category at 1:27:56.

The event was organized by Heather Bailey, Kim Jacobs and Andrea Janssen. Sponsors included Bend Memorial Clinic, Blue Mountain Hospital, Blue Mountain Surgery, Dr. Bob Holland, the Janssen family, John Day Eyecare, Cascade Medical Transport, Mike and Sophie Cosgrove, Sarah Russ, and Addisen and Isabella Scholl. Many local volunteers helped put it on. Support from John Day Parks and Recreation was critical to the event’s success.

Click here to order photos Results for women included: ages 20-29, Jessica Hilton 1:32:40, Sarah Martin 1:50:07; ages 30-39, Kimberly Ward 1:27:56, Andrea Janssen 1:37:37, Kara Kohlfield 1:46:30; ages 40-49, Karen Westmorland 1:58:04; ages 50-59, Nancy Crisler 1:44:18.

Competing age groups of men, their names and times were: ages 20-29, Mark Munoz 1:47:25; ages 30-39, Ryan Carrasco 1:04:16, William “Will” Bernecke 1:14:59, Gabriel Andeen 1:18:42; ages 40-49, Andrew Janssen 1:31:31; ages 50-59, Bob Holland 1:21:19, TR Hilton 1:25:09.

Results for mixed gender teams were: Justin Jacobs, Jenny Jacobs, Traci Lavino 1:22:40; Jim Jacobs, Kim Jacobs 1:23:48; Eric Carpenter, Ginger Vaughn, Heather Bailey, 1:36:45.