Race Previews

Northwoods XXII: Records Should Fall...

Wednesday, 06 August 2025 00:10

22nd NORTHWOODS TRIATHLON PREVIEW - This year's men's field is clearly the deepest in the two-plus decade history of this race. On only one prior occasion--2017--had three men managed to break the 1-hour mark on NW's scenic .25 - 14 - 5K course. Five guys could slip under 60 minutes next Saturday. Who are they?

JOSH BLANKENHEIM - NW's defending champ, Josh recorded the fastest rookie effort--58:26-- here in 2024. He's coming off a record-setting performance at Brewhouse, and a win on Saturday, would be the 20th of his multisport career.

MITCHELL CLAYTON - Mitch has been barking with the Big Dogs for the last two seasons. A sub-1 hour effort on Saturday would likely secure a "Most Improved" nomination at season's end.

BROOKS GROSSINGER - Brooks has won this race 18 times, owns the course record (57:38 in 2013) and has dipped under the 60-minute mark 14 times. Enouth said....

AJ MANNING - Though he hasn't raced in tris since 2023, North Dakota's premier male triathlete is a course record machine. We're anxious to welcome him back to the scene and watch him race.

SPENCER SYVERTSON - Spence is five-for-five in 2025, all in very fast times. He is our prohibitive favorite.

What about the women's competition? Well, CAMI ECKHOFF and CHERYL ZIITUR, a three-time NW's winner are back, and both are racing well this season, especially Cami, who is the current frontrunner for 2025 Female Triathlete of the Year. The women's course record--1:04:48--has stood since 2014. Cami came close--55:32--in 2024 and is even faster and more confident this year. A W on Saturday would be her 3rd in four starts this season. Her only non-winning effort was a 2nd at Ironman 70.3 Des Moines. Not too shabby, huh?