Malley hosts Iron Bronco

By Joe Doss-Antoun

Seventy individuals and 59 teams conquered the rigorous task of running a marathon, biking the distance it would take to reach Sacramento and swimming farther than the distance of the bay below the Golden Gate Bridge.

For the sixth consecutive year, students were given just over two weeks to take part in the annual Iron Bronco competition. The event, which takes place every spring, is designed to challenge the fitness and endurance of its participants.

"It's actually the same amount of mileage as a full Ironman Triathlon," said Nick Johnson, a Pat Malley Fitness and Recreation Center recreation assistant. Johnson competes in the event, and is one of the many who help to run it. In the Ironman competition, athletes must run 26.2 miles, bike 112 miles and swim 2.4 miles.

The Iron Bronco was introduced to Santa Clara in 2000 by Dave Gilmore, former director of recreation. The event is similar to a standard triathlon in that it consists of the same three parts.

The event held in Malley, however, has a couple of different rules. For example, students have a full fifteen days to complete the triathlon, which encourages more people to enter the competition. The Iron Bronco competition also allows people to create teams of up to three participants so that they can split up the mileage.

Although Johnson admits that the numbers are smaller this year than in previous years, he said that's probably due to the fact that this is the first year that they have charged an entry fee.

This year, of the 215 total participants, 145 individuals joined together to make 59 teams.

"With a team, you get pushed a lot more," said senior Melissa Aconito, a three-time Iron Bronco participant. "You're more encouraged to do better, so that's always good."

Although some prefer the team atmosphere, others enjoy the satisfaction of finishing a triathlon all on their own.

"One of my goals was to prove to myself that I had healed from past injuries and am still in shape," said two-time participant A.J. Perry. "I also enjoyed finishing it by myself for time management reasons."

The race is also a good alternative for students who are looking to take a break from their studies.

"I like it laid back because there are a lot of pressures as a student during spring," Perry said. "It's good for the people who want to do it as a challenge for themselves, and it won't discourage the majority of people who might not be able to do it in one day."

While 15 days provides a more relaxed atmosphere for participants, the extended race time makes it nearly impossible to accurately record all of the participants' times. Thus, the Iron Bronco relies on the honor system to ensure that participants are truthful when recording their results.

"I kind of thought about other people cheating, but I don't know," said freshman participant Anthony Young. "Hopefully people will have enough respect that they won't lie about it."

Although organizers are aware that some people probably cut corners, Johnson said they try not to concern themselves or get distracted by such the possibility of foul play.

"We acknowledge that it probably happens, but I don't think it's something we worry about necessarily," he said. "It's something you do for fun if you're recreational. We'd like it if everyone told the truth. That's kind of the fun of the competition and why we keep track of it, but we don't necessarily believe that everybody does."

Although some compete in the event just to receive the T-shirt trophy, others sign up for the competition and training. The Iron Bronco allows people to work hard at attempting to break personal records, including those who compete in other endurance events.

"My dad does triathlons, and he signed me up for another one this fall. So the Iron Bronco is a good motivational test for me," said Young.

The competition also offers a daunting alternative to laying in the sun and simply tanning all afternoon.

"It's very valuable to have, especially during spring. People get to work out instead of just lying out in the sun," Perry said. "It also helps you stay in great shape and if you choose to do it with a team, you stay close to your friends."

Even though the event is somewhat user-friendly, it still boils down to those who truly want to test their bodily limits and work out. The Iron Bronco gives most Malley attendees something to work hard at.

"It really provides motivation for people who want to work out," said Janice DeMonsi, director of recreation. "During the two weeks of the competitions, I see more people swimming in the pool and riding the bikes in the gym. When you see somebody else training hard, you want to do just the same."

Contact Joe Doss-Antoun at (408) 551-1918 or jdossantoun@scu.edu