Ron Jon Triathlon: A Race of Firsts

Team AFR members reunited in Cocoa Beach, FL for the 2024 Ron Jon Triathlon. Brody and Chase (accompanied by their parents) headed south from New England. Gavin headed east from Pensacola, FL where he attends Pensacola Christian College. He is majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in physical education. Throughout the winter, Gavin participated in a handful of 5k and 10k races, and he completed his first marathon at Disney World in January. The Ron Jon Triathlon was the brothers’ first tri/ du of the 2024 season on Sunday, April 14.

The morning was dark and quiet but warm when the team arrived at the race venue around 6:00 am. After setting up in transition, everyone had an opportunity to see a beautiful sunrise over the Banana River.

Gavin competed in dozens of youth triathlons and transitioned to adult duathlons in 2019. After years of adult duathlons, this was Gavin’s first adult triathlon. His group was the second wave. Once he found his rhythm, his swimming was strong and steady allowing him to make a smooth transition to the bike.

Starting about 10 minutes after Gavin, Brody and Chase hit the duathlon course. Their consistent run paces put them on the bike course just a few minutes before Gavin. Gavin and Chase purchased new Pinarello bikes this past December. Gavin’s is the Prince; Chase’s is the Paris. Both enjoyed their first race with new bikes. This was a substantial upgrade for Chase which proved beneficial. He displayed impeccable form (check out the pic!) on the bike and said that the bike handled excellently.

Although the race director thoroughly prepared the course, Gavin and Brody (along with many other athletes) missed the bike turn around. It is unfortunate that the sheriff deputies were not out of their cars directing early athletes, but they were directing when Chase arrived at the turn around. The extra biking cost Gavin and Brody valuable minutes, but lessons were learned: know the course perfectly; and don’t rely on others.

Gavin, Brody, and Chase finished the course with excellent run times!

Gavin placed first in his age category. Overall, he placed 81 out of 297. He ranked 71 out of 192 men. Considering the bike debacle, Gavin was pleased with his results.

In the duathlon, 70 athletes competed. Brody ranked 11 and speculated that he had a good chance for the podium if he had made the bike turn around. Earning a medal, Chase placed 8th.

They enjoyed the race, but especially enjoyed time together as a family. Gavin, Brody, and Chase hope to compete in this race again!