Posted: October 25, 2005

Triathlon: Comerford, Mueckel, Holloway to compete at 2005 Ford Florida Ironman

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla.—Two-time Ironman champion Bella Comerford (Scotland), three-time Ironman champion Ute Mueckel (Germany) and 2005 Ironman Canada champion Karen Holloway (Canada) will compete at the 2005 Ford Ironman Florida being held on Nov. 5 in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Comerford claimed the women’s title at Ford Ironman Florida in 2002 and 2003. The Scottish native posted a career-best time of nine hours, 26 minutes and 17 seconds in winning the Panama City Beach event in 2003. Comerford also finished second (9:34:54) at the 2004 Ford Ironman Florida.

Mueckel recently claimed the women’s title at the 2005 Ford Ironman Wisconsin (10:11:22) held in September. Mueckel has also claimed titles at Ironman Germany (1996) and Ironman Switzerland (1997).

Mueckel finished third at the inaugural 2005 Ford Ironman Arizona and finished second at Ford Ironman Florida in 2002.

Holloway won the first Ironman title of her career at the 2005 Ironman Canada in August (9:51:31). Holloway has also recorded three top-five finishes at Ironman North America events over the past four seasons, including a third-place finish at Ford Ironman USA Coeur d’Alene in 2004.

More than 2,000 triathletes from around the world are expected to compete in the 2005 Ford Ironman Florida. Athletes will be competing for 80 qualifying spots to the 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, as well as a $55,000 pro-prize purse.