Archive for Monday, June 16, 2008
Athletes take the plunge
Competitors draw strength from fans
Athletes take to the water during the swimming competition at the Ironman 70.3 Kansas, the first of the competition's three legs, Sunday morning at Clinton Lake. An estimated 4,000 spectators cheered on more than 1,000 athletes.
June 16, 2008
Advertisement
Ironman in the books
An afternoon storm cut the run short for some competitors, but overall both organizers and athletes say the Ironman race went well. Enlarge video
New Zealand native takes Kansas Ironman crown
A New Zealander won the inaugural 70.3 Kansas Ironman triathlon in the professional division on Sunday. Enlarge video
Even after storms caused organizers of Sunday's Ironman 70.3 Kansas to shorten the final leg of the triathlon shortly after 1 p.m., spectators kept a sideline vigil, urging participants on and keeping them motivated until the very end.
They lined the roads adjacent to the Ironman course at Bloomington Park, sitting in lawn chairs and cheering from trailer beds. An estimated 4,000 spectators were there to watch more than 1,000 athletes.
The triathlon may be an individual competition, but athletes said an enthusiastic crowd can be just as important as months of training. It's one more reason to continue swimming, biking or running.
"It means everything. It really helps you get through it," said Scott Bolen, of Overland Park. Cheers from friends and strangers alike help push the athletes through the pain of a triathlon, he said, and the crowd gathered by the shores of Clinton Lake held up their end of the bargain.
Spectators at Bloomington Park seemed to understand their role in the competition. Karen Douglas, who came from Omaha to support her husband, Michael, was ringing a cowbell nonstop. But she knew that her cowbell was helping more than just her husband.
"I've been ringing for five and a half hours," she said at noon, pointing out the growing calluses on her hands.
She said she wanted to show her appreciation for the athletes, some of whom were participating to benefit a charity. "They're testing their limits, and that is really inspiring."
Brenda DeGroot, of Lenexa, said she can tell by looking at runners' faces how much the support of total strangers means.
A smile here or a thumbs-up there was all the response some athletes could muster, but DeGroot said she knew her efforts were appreciated.
"They're dying, and they're telling me thanks," she said, as she and several friends shouted encouragement to participants completing the final stage of the triathlon, the half marathon.
Sean Byrne, 20, came to the Lawrence competition from the Cleveland suburb of Rocky River to train for another triathlon in Michigan. Byrne, who has completed several marathons, said he learned that his body reacts differently in a triathlon.
And though he was pleased to complete the race with his parents, Dana and Rita, watching, it wasn't the athletes or the personal accomplishment that impressed him the most.
No, it was the hundreds of clapping and cheering spectators.
"I think that's one of the best parts," he said.
"The excitement's contagious," said Dana Byrne.
Ironman competition cut short by weather
Organizers of the Ironman 70.3 Kansas shortened the final leg of the triathlon about 1 p.m. Sunday, after lightning was sighted. Severe weather warnings also prompted their decision to shorten the race and cancel the awards ceremony.
Race director Tom Ziebart said about half the competitors had completed the course when the decision was made.
"It was a great race. We just got hit by bad weather at the end of the race," he said. "The athletes will be disappointed they didn't get to finish, but at least they got to compete."
About two and a half miles was eliminated from the half marathon, as volunteers blocked the way to the rest of the course, directing runners into a corridor leading to the finish line.
Runners were frustrated by the decision, rolling their eyes, complaining and grudgingly stopping their watches when they were told of the shortened course. But they understood the need for caution.
"I think it makes all the sense in the world," said Scott Kroll, of Louisville, Ky. "Safety first."
Ziebart said the decision would not affect the qualification process for the Ironman World Championships. Winners will receive their cash prizes in the mail.
One cyclist was transported by air ambulance to an area hospital after reportedly breaking his leg during the second portion of the race. No other bicycles or vehicles were involved in the crash. Ziebart said a helicopter was used so an ambulance would not have to maneuver through the throngs of other cyclists.
Ironman
- Ironman Kansas Results (sorted by division)
- Iron to the core: Clinton Lake course tests pros' mettle (06-16-08)
- Keegan: Lawrence passes tri test (06-16-08)
- Ironman day has arrived (06-16-08)
- Expo sets tone for Ironman competition (06-14-08)
- Ironman set for early kickoff (06-12-08)
- Cardiologist prescribes test of endurance (06-09-08)
- Downtown street to close for Ironman party (06-04-08)
- Ironman Kansas
More like this
- Ironman day has arrived 3 comments / June 15, 2008
- Ironman deemed shining success 5 comments / June 17, 2008
- Keegan: Lawrence passes tri test 2 comments / June 15, 2008
- Iron to the core June 16, 2008
- Expo sets tone for Ironman competition 6 comments / June 14, 2008
Top ads RSS
Marketplace
Arts & Entertainment · Bars · Theatres · Restaurants · Coffeehouses · Libraries · Antiques · Services
- Mangino's contract outlines probe November 21, 2009 · 6 comments
- Nation has right to ask ‘why?’ November 21, 2009 · 10 comments
- On the street: Will you miss ‘The Oprah Winfrey’ show? November 21, 2009 · 7 comments
- Blog: Palin Book Could Be Your Cheapest Source For Winter Fuel November 20, 2009 · 61 comments
- Nothing to lose: Reeling KU huge underdog for a change November 21, 2009 · 10 comments
- Meier mature, classy November 21, 2009 · 2 comments
- Blog: In Plain Sight, 11/20/2009 November 20, 2009 · 2 comments
- Blog: We Noticed November 19, 2009 · 118 comments
- Mangino denies validity of former player allegations November 19, 2009 · 158 comments
- Blog: Acting (Some Days, Most Days, Frequently And Occasionally) President Dan Wildcat Is Off Campus This Week . November 19, 2009 · 9 comments
- CLARENCE E. RINKE OBITUARY October 19, 1999
- On target November 21, 2009
- Four decades in crisis mode November 21, 2009
- Commission votes against including gender identity in Lawrence's anti-discrimination policy November 19, 2009
- Need information during Saturday's H1N1 clinic? Let us know November 20, 2009
- Sexual healing: Dennis Dailey coaches couples with tough love at his intimacy workshop November 20, 2009
- Researcher: Writing proves Shroud of Turin is real November 21, 2009
- Chiefs honor ex-left offensive tackle Roaf December 15, 2008
- Mangino's contract outlines probe November 21, 2009
- Meier mature, classy November 21, 2009
16 June 2008
at 9:28 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
geekin_topekan (Anonymous) says…
They should run the course in the nude.Like the Greeks of old.
16 June 2008
at 10:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Eride (Anonymous) says…
I believe there is a contract for another two years of the event with the possibility of an extension following that so this event could be here annually for quite sometime to come!
16 June 2008
at 10:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
TheEleventhStephanie (Anonymous) says…
a sprint distance triathlon, just for ladies: http://www.winforkctri.org/index.cfm
16 June 2008
at 10:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Multidisciplinary (Anonymous) says…
“One cyclist was transported by air ambulance to an area hospital after reportedly breaking his leg during the second portion of the race. No other bicycles or vehicles were involved in the crash”Feral hogs again, don't you think?Possibly running from the “presumed stampede of dairy cattle wearing cowbells”.Or wait, was the helicopter there before the accident?lol.
16 June 2008
at 10:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
Permalink
Haiku_for_You (Anonymous) says…
Saw the Ironman:Swimming, biking, and running.Even MY feet hurt!