27 Nov Ironman 70.3 World Championships

One of my first events where there were multiple world champions and Olympic Gold medals all competing at one venue. The Ironman World Championships were in beautiful Clearwater Beach, FL where they changed the swim last minute to the bay instead of the Gulf because of “rough” conditions. It was a 6 inch chop! A few friends of mine competed in the grueling 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run. Germany’s Michael Raelert (3:34:04) and Great Britain’s Julie Dibens (3:59:33) claimed victory at the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, both breaking the previous records.