Pedal, Paddle and Puff a whopping success

Of all the July 4 festivities that take place in Arlington, the most intriguing, intense display of athletic prowess comes in the Pedal, Paddle and Puff mini-triathlon.
A unique combination of running, cycling and kayaking, the race took place on a bright, sunny Independence Day in Arlington.
Eighteen teams began the day looking to claim top honors, including some past and present champions.
We have a good wide range of competitors, said race organizer Bill Blake, We have one gentleman in his 80s and our youngest competitor is 11.
Carsten Mullin took home top honors in the mens Iron Man competition.
My dad started doing the race 30 years ago, back when it was a rowboat race. I started at age 15 and Ive been doing the Iron Man for the past 10 years.
Mullin did so well in the pedal and paddle portions of the event that he was able to hold on to victory in the run.
The run is definitely the toughest part, said Mullin.
The womens champion, Cambrielle Miller, won last year in an uncontested Iron Woman race. This year she had to beat an accomplished triathlete Shari Osti in order to claim the crown.
I think its really fun. Its such a good atmosphere, said Miller.
This was Ostis first time participating in the Pedal, Paddle and Puff, but she competes all over the region in various endurance races.
Despite the warm temperatures, no problems were reported for the competitors.
We had a lot of volunteers this year, people at all the major intersections to make sure things went smoothly, said Bill Blake, We also had Action Sports of Arlington donate t-shirts for all the participants.
Blake coordinated the entire event along with help from Arlington city officials.


Winners
Iron Man:
1. Carsten Mullin
2. Steve White
3. Tim White

Iron Woman:
1. Cambrielle Miller
2. Shari Osti

Local Team:
1. Newland Construction
2. The Angry Dragons
3. The Ugly Ducklings

Open:
1. Mt. Baker Slightly Mixed
2. River Rats
3. Adventure Divas

Over the Hill:
1. Mt. Baker Ski Area Vets
2. Arlington Runners Club

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