25 Years of Boulder Peak Triathlon

Two Men Compete in 25th Consecutive Boulder Peak Event on July 10th
By Kate Lessman
The legendary and iconic Boulder Peak Triathlon turns 25 this year and Brendan Hemp and Bruce Wilson have seen it all. Both men have competed in every Boulder Peak race since its inception in 1992 and on July 10th they will be toeing the line for their 25th consecutive event. From age group wins to completing the race with a stress fracture they’ve had their fair share of highs and lows but keep coming back for more. We sat down with them to find out more about them and what’s so special about Boulder’s favorite hometown race ‘The Peak’.

Bruce Wilson
How old are you? I turned 71 on April 29th.
How long have you been competing in triathlons? I did my first triathlon in 1985. Hawaii Ironman was my third race ever that year, after getting in on the lottery.
Why have you raced The Peak every year? At some point about 10 to 15 years ago, The Peak became a definite “streak.” I now think of it as a different form of endurance competition : )
What are some of your favorite memories of the Boulder Peak? My most outstanding memory is when I was diagnosed with a stress fracture of the femur. The doctor said no racing but, if I had to, no pressure on the leg. That year I walked the bike up Old Stage and walked the run, just to keep the streak alive!
Are there any years that stand out to you as favorites? I’m afraid at this point that the races tend to blend together, so there is no one favorite year.
What do you think makes the Peak so special? Besides its long history as a local race, the Olde Stage climb (and descent) still make it one of the more unique races around. Though Olde Stage won’t be part of the course this year, the Peak is still the perfect tune-up race for Boulder Ironman as well a chance to pit oneself against the best of Boulder athletes.

Brendan Hemp
How long have you been competing in triathlons? My first multi sport event was 1986 the Long Beach Biathlon (run/swim). And my first tri was in 1989 in Steamboat, Colorado.
Why have you raced The Peak every year? Good question. Mostly because it was the first big race here in Boulder and now recently because I can race with my 18 year old daughter.
What are some of your favorite memories of the Boulder Peak? Watching the pros race and winning my age group in 2012.
Are there any years that stand out to you as favorites? 2012 : )
What do you think makes the Peak so special? The location and Olde Stage road. Although the potential of flat and fast course this year gives us old guys a chance to beat our time when we were 24 years younger : ) And seeing good, old friends at the race is the most important to me.
Congratulations Bruce and Brendan. We wish you the very best next week.
There’s still time to enter the Life Time Tri Boulder Peak and celebrate its 25th anniversary as an individual or as part of a special relay division for $25 each. For more information visit www.boulderpeaktri.com