Ironman Arizona 2008 went down yesterday, 4/13/2008, on what might have been one of the toughest IM days in recent North American history. With temperatures reaching the high-90s and winds picking up to 20+ mph over the course of the day, participants were faced with a much greater challenge than they had anticipated.
The pro athletes and top AG athletes still went fast over the flat course – despite the winds – but they had the distinct advantage of getting off the course by 5pm. This allowed them to refuel / hydrate without worrying about racing. As of 5pm, a little over 50 folks had finished the day (in 2007, 54 folks had finished in the same time window), leaving well over 2000 athletes to suffer the effects of the race – and the conditions – on the course.
In previous years, the race was held one week earlier. Not much on the calendar, but as any resident of AZ will tell you, one week can mean a HUGE temperature differential. In 2006 and 2007, for example, race temps got up to 87- and 86- degrees farenheight. Adding another week this year meant temps soared to the mid- to upper-90s. OUCH. This was certainly a less-than-ideal decision by the race organizers. With a second running of Ironman Arizona due in November, we can all hope that the weather treats the athletes a little bit better. As a preview, last year on the race date, the high for the day was 67-degrees with winds gusting up to 20mph. Looks like y’all had better pack a vest and arm warmers!!!
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Rich speaking to 50+ folks at the Endurance Nation Pre Race Talk
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This is what riding in AZ looks like!
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This is what it means to race in “downtown” Tempe…
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The lead swimmers…
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This doode was headed for 20mph winds…hope he made it!
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View all EN photos on our SmugMug page!
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