The 2010 Wapatusset Triathlon (the fourth annual) concluded on a beautiful summer morning, nearly 10 days ago – with over 1000 athletes competing in the swim, bike and run event.
Yesterday morning at approximately 6:00 AM, a gray-bearded, 57 year-old, O. Rogers Willem crossed the finish line – his 2009 entry number, still safety-pinned to his sweat-stained jersey back.
There wan’t much of a crowd at the finish line – just a couple of young fishermen on their way to the town dock, an early morning dog-walker or two, and delivery truck operators – dropping off the days supply of newspapers, cigarettes and other summer sundries.
A bit winded and thirsty, Willems had returned to the scene, over 375 days following the race’s start. “The swimming event went well, I had a great finish in the bike portion, but it was in the running leg of the race when the endorphins kicked in and I was in ‘the zone,’ stated an exhausted but relieved Willem. “In fact, I was so in ‘the zone,' that I missed several directional signs and ran nearly 700 miles off course.”“It took me most of the fall of 2009 to regain my bearings and to get a sense of how far I had actually run off-course. For much of the winter, I hibernated in a cave with a pack of Greyotes who allowed me to share their food and hospitality. By spring I was fully rested and began to trace my steps back to Wapatusset,” Willems continued.
O'Liam (file photo)
According to the Wapatusset Police Department’s lead Search & Rescue specialist, Liam O’Liam, the hunt for Willems was closed just before Labor Day. “There was a lot going on in town at the time – with the ‘Fall Festival of Leaves’ right around the corner, and all the road maintenance work requiring a uniformed police presence – quite frankly, we didn’t have the personnel to continue.”
Asked if he would return for next year’s race, Mr. Willem replied, “Assuming that I can get my job back and relocate my family, I see no reason NOT to return!”