It was a soaker for hundreds of athletes, running, riding and swimming in the 29th Wilkes-Barre Triathlon.
Organizers said Sunday's race was the most challenging they've had in a long time, but most of those involved weren't complaining.
Of course, the swimmers taking the plunge in Harveys Lake weren't so concerned about getting soaked.
But the wet weather did make for quite the challenge for the cycling portion of the Wilkes-Barre triathlon.
The runners were slowed down quite a bit by the pouring rain, too.
"It was a complete nightmare," said triathlon director Joanne Gensel.
It certainly was a trying triathlon for the organizers of this annual event that winds through Luzerne County's Back Mountain area.
"It's been the most challenging race we've had in a very very long time," added Gensel.
But those actually racing through these rough elements were singing a much different tune.
"A little bit of rain all the better, all the better. (It) makes it more interesting for the true die-hard athlete," said participant Kelly Smith.
"We chose the perfect day. It's fabulous. I haven't rode in the rain like that since I was 12 years old. I felt like a kid again," added participant Jennifer Fleischer of Stroudsburg.
Fleischer said the rain took the edge off a race that can be pretty intense.
"It wasn't so crazy and competitive. It was just a lot of fun out there," said Fleischer.
The athletes admit, they did have to be very careful along the route. It really did pour.
"With the wind and water, you had to be careful you didn't fall so it was a little bit slick, a bit dangerous but everyone was very cooperative so it was good," added another runner.
"This will be in the books as another rainy, rainy, rainy race but everyone seems to be safe," said Gensel.
Doug Clark of New Jersey was the overall men's winner.
Kelly Ciravolo of Shavertown was the overall women's winner at Sunday's triathlon.
Organizers said Sunday's race was the most challenging they've had in a long time, but most of those involved weren't complaining.
Of course, the swimmers taking the plunge in Harveys Lake weren't so concerned about getting soaked.
But the wet weather did make for quite the challenge for the cycling portion of the Wilkes-Barre triathlon.
The runners were slowed down quite a bit by the pouring rain, too.
"It was a complete nightmare," said triathlon director Joanne Gensel.
It certainly was a trying triathlon for the organizers of this annual event that winds through Luzerne County's Back Mountain area.
"It's been the most challenging race we've had in a very very long time," added Gensel.
But those actually racing through these rough elements were singing a much different tune.
"A little bit of rain all the better, all the better. (It) makes it more interesting for the true die-hard athlete," said participant Kelly Smith.
"We chose the perfect day. It's fabulous. I haven't rode in the rain like that since I was 12 years old. I felt like a kid again," added participant Jennifer Fleischer of Stroudsburg.
Fleischer said the rain took the edge off a race that can be pretty intense.
"It wasn't so crazy and competitive. It was just a lot of fun out there," said Fleischer.
The athletes admit, they did have to be very careful along the route. It really did pour.
"With the wind and water, you had to be careful you didn't fall so it was a little bit slick, a bit dangerous but everyone was very cooperative so it was good," added another runner.
"This will be in the books as another rainy, rainy, rainy race but everyone seems to be safe," said Gensel.
Doug Clark of New Jersey was the overall men's winner.
Kelly Ciravolo of Shavertown was the overall women's winner at Sunday's triathlon.
