BECKLEY — Monette Williams is obviously a hometown favorite at the Charlie Williamson Memorial Triathlon, being a native of Beckley.

Her husband, Pittsburgh native David Williams, is gaining in popularity.

Or, at least, notoriety.

The husband-wife duo swept their divisions at the fourth annual event, held Saturday at The Resort at Glade Springs.

David Williams finished with his personal-best time of 1:06.40 in the swim, bike, run event. Monette won the women’s division in 1:19.34.

“Must have been the bike,” Williams said, moments after winning his third Charlie Williamson Memorial Triathlon in a row. “I had to go hard on the bike. We’re competing in the National (Triathlon) Championships next week (in Burlington, Vt.), and I wanted to blow it out today and see what I could do. This was just an outstanding prep for the national championships.”

Of course, the Williamses should have been favorites coming into the event.

They are not only outstanding triathletes; they are professionals, owning Triangle Multisport, a company that sponsors youth, junior, elite and professional triathlon teams. The couple are USA Triathlon Level II Certified coaches.

“We cross all boards,” Monette said. “We have 11 coaches on staff. We are really blessed to be able to do this for a living.”

And do it well.

“I really love this event,” David Williams said. “It’s obviously a chance for Monette to come home. We’re really trying to raise awareness of the sport in this area. We do a clinic every year, trying to introduce people to the sport and to give them pointers. I’ve got to meet the Williamson family. He is an inspiration.”

Williamson, a guru of cross-training in the area, was tragically killed five years ago. His name carries on in the sport he loved.

David Williams had little trouble navigating the course, beating second-place finisher Andrew Cochran, of Morgantown, by over five minutes. Charleston’s Don Boggs (1:14.25) was third, and Daniels’ Ben Wilson (1:18.27) was fourth.

Caroline Brady appeared to be the first woman across the finish line, not far behind David Williams. But she got in late Friday evening and didn’t get a chance go over the course.

She got sent the wrong way and didn’t complete the full course and her time was not allowed.

“They sent me the wrong way,” Brady said. “I didn’t do the whole course. I don’t know if the guy got turned around or what. It’s a bummer.”

That opened the door for Monette Williams to take the win.

Just completing it was her goal, after failing to do so last year.

“Last year, my derailer (on her bike) broke, and I had to drop out,” said the 1994 Woodrow Wilson graduate, who swam and played tennis for the Flying Eagles. “I just wanted to finish this year. To win it is just extra. I knew I was the first female off the bike, but I wasn’t sure what had happened. It feels good going into the nationals next week.”

Sherri Carter (1:33.38) was second, Beckley’s Mateesa Brehm (1:38.25) was third, Daniels’ Amy Webb was fourth (1:38.35) and Charleston’s Lori Smith (1:39.07) was fifth.

 Beckley’s Team Triumph won the relay event with a time of 1:12.14. Mountain State University was second at 1:13.34, followed by Team Oak Hill Wrestling (1:15.54).

— E-mail: demorrison@

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