When Zachery Harten took part in the Willow Creek Triathlon on Saturday, he was not just doing it for himself – and it showed.

Harten did two-thirds of the triathlon, the bicycle and running portions, in body armor and helmet. Harten, a firefighter for the City of Bradford, is also a member of the U.S. Army.

He participated for himself, for his brothers and sisters who have gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties who received the money raised by the triathlon/ duathlon.

Harden, who finished with a time of 1:32:4 was one of 111 who participated in this year’s event, now in its 14th year.

By the end of the day, a check was written for $44,770.

“Once again, the athletes and community rallied behind our event and made it a great success,” said race director John Tim. “Our hearts grow every year as we write the check for our local veterans.”

To date, the triathlon has raised more than $366,000, which is earmarked to help with transportation.

The top male and female triathlon finishers receive the Thom Maholic Award, which is named in memory of the Bradford man who died in Afghanistan.

The two top finishers were Jacob Osswald of Buffalo, New York, with a time of 1:03:04, and Sarah Lonzi of Bradford with a time of 1:11:04.

The top male for the duathlon, which is the bicycle and run portions, was Luke Andraso of Erie with a time of 1:09:47.

Nancy Crissman of Rew was the top female in the duathlon division with a time of 1:15:25.

A special award – the Brad Keltz Braveheart Award – goes to the participant who had to overcome an obstacle to participate in the event.

This year, Shea Crissman of Rew won the award after overcoming idiopathic scoliosis and spinal surgery to win the triathlon female 15-19 year old category.

The speaker was Lt. Col. Forrest Price, a veteran of the U.S. Army.

For a list of all those who participated and their times, log on to http://scorethis-results.com/ResultsMS.php?raceid=20190803WLCR.