JOHN DAY – They swam, cycled and strode.

Sixty-eight people – the largest turnout yet – helped those in need by participating in the third annual Triathlon for Hunger last Saturday, Aug. 13, in John Day.

“This was amazing. It surpassed our expectations. We expected 20 to 30 people a few weeks ago,” said Andrea Janssen, director and co-founder of the event. Janssen was aided by co-directors this year, Heather Bailey and Kim Jacobs.

A total of $1,600 in proceeds will be given to Grant County food banks, and the Malawi Children’s Village, a community-based AIDS orphan program.

Among the enthusiastic athletes were three participants under the age of 10, and a participant who is due to have a baby in September.

Eight members of the Rushton family took part in the event.

“Now there are no excuses not to participate next year,” said Janssen, encouraging others to try it next year.

Janssen commended the work of 27 enthusiastic volunteers, who helped with timing and other chores.

She also lauded John Day/Canyon City Parks and Recreation District, which provided the pool and the encouraging signs at Seventh Street Complex, where the run was held; and the efforts of John Day Police, Blue Mountain Hospital Ambulance and the many volunteers, who helped ensure the safety of the participants.

Event sponsors were Blue Mountain Hospital; Bend Memorial Clinic; Bob and Karin Holland; the Janssen Family; Zac and Heather Bailey; Keith J. Thomas, MD, FACS with Blue Mountain Surgery Clinic; John Day Eye Care; Rushton Podiatry; Eric and Kristen Sandefur; Sara Russ; and Sherry Feiger.

Local artist Paul Guivens designed the T-shirts for this year’s event.

First-place men’s finisher was Mike Rushton, with a time of 58:30. Casey Gatz finished second, at 1:07.08. Dave Hall was third, clocking 1:08.16.

Top woman finishing the event was Bryna Ray, at 1:13.19. Second-place finisher was Tara Gatz, at 1:19.48. Third place went to Kristen Rushton, 1:20.16.

In the team category, the trio of Clark Reames/Sara Jacobs/Randy Hennen finished first, at 1:05.08. Second place went to the all-female team of Samantha Gerry/Kim Jacobs/Jenny Jacobs, whose combined time was 1:09.00. Third-place team was Haley Hueckman/Chad Lauer/Caleb Sturgill, who clocked 1:13.56.

By age group, individual men and their times were:

Age 20-29: Casey Gatz (1:07:08), Brett Newell (1:08:59), Wade Tait (1:09:49), Jake Feener (1:12:09), Eric Lindsay (1:16:02).

Age 30-39: Dave Hall (1:08:16).

Age 40-49: Mike Rushton (0:58:30), Andrew Janssen (1:13:04)

Age 50-59: Joe Escudero (1:15:56), Bob Holland (1:25:43), TR Hilton (1:26:04)

Individual women and their times were:

Age 14-19: Kelsey Long (1:56:20).

Age 20-29: Bryna Ray (1:13:19).

Age 30-39: Tara Gatz (1:19:48), Kristen Rushton (1:20:16), Kim Ward (1:24:00).

Age 40-49: Kim Joslin (1:37:09), Karen Westmoreland (1:46:15).

Age 50-59: Nancy Crisler (1:44:50), Mary Ann Vidourek (1:53:40)

And in the team category:

Men’s: Mike McKrola/Ryan Joslin (1:19:24).

Mixed: The Daisy Cutters: Clark Reames/Sara Jacobs/Randy Hennen (1:05:08); The Jamaican Hopscotch Mafia: Haley Hueckman/Chad Lauer/Caleb Sturgill (1:13:56); Kristen Coles/Ryan Gerry/Justin Jacobs (1:19:32); Saggy Spandex: Jim Soupir/Sandra Rice/Chris James (1:20:04); Charity Rushton/Rebekah Rushton/Seth Rushton (1:21:46); The Mead-iators: Rhea Mead/Mytchell Mead/Jan Mead (1:22:38); Vishal Khemlani/Heather Bailey (1:27:27); Sarah Gilman-Short/Elaine Livran/Peyton Neault (1:29:59); Sarah Schuller/David Flory/Zac Bailey (1:31:52); R cubed: Rozanne Mullin/Rod Carpenter/Rachel Carpenter (1:35:07); and Mary Rushton/Eliza Rushton/Mahori Rushton (1:36:51).

Women’s: Samantha Gerry/Jenny Jacobs/Kim Jacobs (1:09:00); Crazies in Daisies: Karen Jacobs/Janet Plocharsky/Sue Pearce (1:19:23); Suzie Hood/Barb Northington/Sylvia Dowdy (1:28:45); Laura Salvino/Bridget-Hilgers/Brandi Moles (1:39:39); Sarah Gilman-Short/Ginger Vaughn/Jessica Hilton (1:54:13).