Posted: August 28, 2005

Triathlon: Record swim start at Subaru Ironman Canada

By Helen Manning

PENTICTON, B.C.- Under sunny skies and almost ideal conditions, 2244 competitors, the largest field ever entered the waters of Lake Okanagan at the 23rd Subaru Ironman Canada. The previous record for a single wave start was held by the 2004 Ironman Wisconsin at 2187 and here in Penticton last year 2177 athletes started out on the course.

The top elite male athletes have torn up the bike course, with first place Chris Lieto, USA setting a new course record at 4:25.26 breaking the previous record held by Thomas Hellriegel, Germany since 1996. Four-time world ITU triathlon champion, Simon Lessing, Great Britain is a close second to Leito as they head out on the marathon course.

Subaru Ironman Canada is the oldest Ironman event in continental North America and will take place for the 23rd time in Penticton, B.C. on Sunday August 28. Athletes will be competing for 100 qualifying spots to the 2005 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii as well as a $75,000. (Cdn.) pro prize purse. For more information, log onto www.ironman.ca