Parry Sound, Ont. - Chris Stipdonk finished his racing season with a personal triumph.

Stipdonk, from Fort Simpson, ran a personal best in the 10 kilometre run portion of the Pan American and National Duathlon Championships held in Parry Sound, Ont. on Sept. 15.

Chris Stipdonk, centre, flanked by two riders, competes in the cycling portion of the Pan American and National Duathlon Championships. - photo courtesy of Chris Stipdonk

Stipdonk finished his 10 kilometre run in 34 minutes and 29 seconds. It was followed by a 40 kilometre bike portion in 1 hour and six minutes and a final 5 kilometre run in 17 minutes and 53 seconds for a total time of 1 hour 58 minutes and 41 seconds.

"I couldn't have asked for much more," he said.

Stipdonk competed in the Under-23 elite men's category. He came in second in his age division and thirteenth out of the 18 duathletes in the elite division.

Taking into consideration the experience level of the other elite athletes, Stipdonk said he was pleased with his placing. At 22, he was the second youngest competitor in the field. The other athletes are mostly in their late twenties.

Despite the fact that his running times are still not as fast at most of the elite duathletes, Stipdonk isn't worried.

"I still have quite a bit of time to make it up," he said.

"As long as I continue to improve every year, that's all I can ask for."

Race day in Parry Sound arrived with a cool 10 C and lots of wind. The wind slowed down the biking portion of the race, said Stipdonk. The course, however, was flat.

"It wasn't very difficult in that sense," he said.

The running course was more challenging. The route was on a short loop that included some 180-degree turns, rolling hills and dirt and grass underfoot.

"It wasn't a fast course but I still managed to do a personnel best," said Stipdonk.

This was his second year competing at nationals. Last year he placed ninth out of 11.

Having finished his final race of the season, Stipdonk plans to take a few weeks off from training before starting to prepare for next year's season.