Newton claims fourth Tinker Tri amid record participation Published Sept. 30, 2010 By John Stuart Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Turns out Travis Newton didn't have anything to be scared about. Though it's true -- you never know who's going to show up on race day -- Newton arrived with his A-game which proved more than enough. Going in to Saturday's Tinker Triathlon, Newton wasn't sure about the competition. With three consecutive first place finishes, he had a bit of a dynasty to defend. But even some route confusion of the run portion Saturday -- which added at least a minute to his time -- couldn't thwart the Tinker civilian as he swam, biked and ran his way to a 40:00 finish and first place. It was a minute slower than his finish last year, but still a solid performance. Problems with the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center pool pushed the event back from its usual August time frame. But the cooler weather was actually a boost for the 113 participants who showed for the Sept. 25 event, with temperatures in the 60s and no wind. "It was perfect weather and we had a good turnout," Newton said after crossing the finish line. "It's going to be real close but I felt great. I feel like I had a perfect race -- felt strong in all three events." In the women's category, Jennifer Roberts claimed first place with her 49:22 finish, six and a half minutes faster than the nearest female competitor. She finished 10th overall. It was her first Tinker Tri, after relocating to Tinker last year with her husband Lt. Col. Troy Roberts. "I tried my hardest. I felt like I was going to die a few times but I just told myself 'keep moving, don't stop,'" Ms. Roberts said. She was competing alongside her husband, who had a fifth place finish with his 44:08. "A family that sweats and dies together stays together I guess," Ms. Roberts said with a laugh. Newton hedged his long-time high school friend, Scott Foster from the winner's podium. Foster, a federal employee in Oklahoma City, recorded a 41:37 on the day, slightly better than what he was hoping and good enough for second place. "My time was right on target, actually slightly better because the weather conditions were so conducive to going fast," Foster said after crossing the finish. "It was a great course, great weather and very well organized," Ms. Roberts said. Bob Atkins finished third with his 42:54. A relay team claimed fourth place with Darren O'Day, Destiny McLoud and Dustin O'Day recording a 42:00. Ralph Humphrey earned sixth place in 45:02, Danny Ponder was seventh with 45:34, Matthew Geffert was eighth with 46:27, Dave Piscitello was ninth with 47:32. In the women's category, Tina Long was second place with 54:22, Rebecca Duff was third with 55:10, Jen Atkins was fourth with 56:26, Lynda Ruffino was fifth with 57:50, Heidi Hebblethwaite was sixth with 60:48, Suzanne Cook was seventh with 1:01:54, Debbie Chronister was eighth with 1:07:36, Samantha Ruffino was ninth with 1:11:12 and Wendy Nelson was tenth with 1:12:28.