Rose Ralstin edged out Nebraska City firefighter Steve Recker with a controversial finish to Wednesday’s mini-triathlon at the Ambassador Wellness Center.

Ralstin, who challenged Recker as part of the Nebraska City Tourism and Commerce’s Business After Hours event, did not swim the final 88 meter race in the pool.

She was instead replaced by Rebecca Turner, NCTC director and former collegiate swimmer at Grinnell College in Iowa. Amy Allgood of NCTC filled in for Recker.

Turner said there are more surprises in store for the “Where in the World is Rose Ralstin” program sponsored by NCTC’s tourism and promotions committee.

After watching Ralstin and Recker walk portions of the half-mile run and wait for the other to catch up in the cycling, wellness center executive Mike Kearney offered his analysis.
“It’s truly a sad state of affairs for triathlon racing, but they worked hard and that’s impressive. I think they had fun and everyone enjoyed watching them,” he said.

The competitors finished the half-mile run in 5 minutes and 45 seconds. The two-mile cycling drill consumed a staggering 10 minutes and 53 seconds. Team Ralstin finished a second ahead of Team Recker at 17:04.

The event displayed upgrades to the wellness center and new offices for the Ambassador