For 29 Years, Lake Saint Louis Triathlon Has Inspired Athletes

It didn’t take long for Cathy Thurwachter to realize two things as she competed in her first triathlon.

She was hooked with the sport that combines running, swimming and cycling—and she was moving to Lake Saint Louis. Thurwachter, 56, will compete in the 29th Lake St. Louis Triathlon on Saturday and she’s raced in every one.

"It’s very inspiring because she sets an example for all of us," said her husband Rick, who previously competed but hasn’t in several years. "I love the fact that she’s been in all of them.

"Besides the fact that it keeps her physically fit, keeps her looking as beautiful as the day I married her, it’s also an inspiration for being able to exercise as you get older and never getting complacent."

This Saturday, Thurwachter will be one of 750 participants in the annual event that begins and ends at the on the small lake. The first wave of participants takes off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday and the participants navigate either the long or short course.

Darren Noelken, recreation supervisor for the city of Lake Saint Louis, is serving in his second year as the triathlon’s director. Noelken said the race reached capacity in the first three weeks after registration for the event opened. One of the oldest events of its kind in the area, Lake Saint Louis' triathlon has also attracted competitors from 15 states.

He said the open water venue of the lake, plus the support the local community provides an ideal backdrop for competitors.

"We have over a hundred volunteers, mostly from the community who help support the athletes," he said. "I know that does make a huge difference for the athletes getting all that support."

None of it surprises Cathy Thurwachter.

Her first foray into the heart of St. Charles County convinced the newly married couple that a change was in order. Within a year of competing in the triathlon, the couple moved from Florissant to the then-remote Lake Saint Louis.

It provided them a lakefront home, surrounded by other people who enjoyed being outside and staying active. It also gave them some distance from Thurwachter’s students at Parkway North where she was a physical education teacher for 30 years before retiring five years ago.

She even competed even while pregnant with her two daughters, Ali and Kristin.

"My mind set has kind of changed," she said. "Now, I just want to complete it . . . to keep my streak alive. I do it for the health benefits and to say I can still do it; be proud I can still do it."

There’s plenty of pride to go around the Thurwachter household. The entire family will be on hand to cheer on Cathy, who has competed in four other triathlons this year.

"She makes a really good role model," said Ali, 20, a 2009 graduate of . "She taught me if you work hard and put your mind to something and dedicate yourself, you can accomplish so much more that you ever thought was possible.

"That’s a lesson that goes outside of sports and into every aspect of your life."

The local area will be represented by Alison and David Desloge of Ladue; Julie Ellis, Ladue; Milva Finnegan, Olivette; and Dwyna Gebhard, Ladue.