PBMC Health hosts first Jamesport Triathlon: Photos

More than 225 athletes competed in PBMC Health’s first-ever triathlon in Jamesport Sunday morning, completing a 500-meter swim, 25 kilometer bike course and 5K run in what they called ideal conditions.

Billy Holl, 29, of Bayport finished first overall with a time of 1:10:25, nearly two minutes ahead of the next closest finisher.

“The conditions were perfect,” Holl said. “It was a little windy with some cloud cover, so it wasn’t too hot and it’s a great course — nice and open.”

Holl took the lead during the final running portion of the event and never looked back.

“Billy’s an incredible runner, probably the best runner on Long Island,” said second-place finisher Tim Steiskal of Naugatuck, Conn., who finished in 1:12:04 and held the lead following the bike portion of the event.

Being the first-ever race held on a new course, Holl said he studied maps online and watched the virtual tour video on the web and relied on the course workers at every corner.

Mike Merlo, 30, of Cutchogue was the top local finisher, crossing the finish line third in 1:12:38.

Merlo, who was fastest on the bike at 39:29, said it was a little more challenging not knowing the course, but the event organizers did a good job putting up the maps.

“If you know the elevation, the hills, the flats, you can train for that no matter where you are,” Merlo said. “These people put on an awesome event.”

Smithtown’s Caitlin Dowd, 25, was the top female finisher in 1:20:11, placing her 12th overall.

“The swim was a little choppy, but I fight pretty well through choppy water. It’s my favorite,” she said. “This course is beautiful.”

The top local female finisher was Suzy Heffernan, 49, of Cutchogue, who finished in 1:30:15.

See more photos from the event by clicking on the page links below.