The weather was perfect and the sun was shining when racers crossed the finish line of the second Labor of Love Triathlon Sept. 4 at Allan Yorke Park in Bonney Lake.

Nearly 300 athletes came prepared to swim, bike and run through the landscape of the city. The swim portion started off the event in the chilly 68-degree waters of Lake Tapps before bikers enjoyed the rural roads and views before tackling the grueling hills of the running section of the race.

Event organizers from the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce and BuDU Racing are calling the event a huge success. Chamber sponsors included new owners of Lake Tapps, Cascade Water Alliance, Harborstone Credit Union, Henschell Chiropractic, Fleet Feet and NCS Personal Training.

In addition to the race, approximately 50 volunteers were scattered along the course to raise money for their organizations, including the Bonney Lake Lions Club, Bonney Lake High School cross country team and Key Club, and the Sumner marching band. Also on hand were the Bonney Lake Police Department and east Pierce Fire and Rescue.

The winners of the Olympic Distance (0.9 miles swimming, 22.2 miles biking, and a 6.2-mile run) were Nathan Dressel for the men, who finished in 1 minute, 56:41 seconds and Heidi Hubler for the women, finishing in 2:14:20.

The winners of the sprint distance (0.32 miles swimming, 12.2 miles biking and 3.1 miles running) were Richard Ling for the men at 1:03:04 and Brianna Home for the women with a time of 1:14:53.

Next year’s event is already scheduled for Sept. 3.

For more information or to follow the progress of Lora Butterfield as she prepares for next year’s event, visit www.bonneylake.com or email lora@bonneylake.com

Lora Butterfield is the Executive Director of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at 253-222-5945.