[photo: Brian August leaves T1 after crushing swim. 2nd fastest amateur in 51:21!]

With over 2,800 participants, Ironman Canada is one, if not, THE largest Ironmans in the world. Congratulations to all of our athletes who raced yesterday. This year’s race though proved to be very, very difficult. As the day wore on, the wind picked up to a strong head wind on bike. Combined with the heat rising to a stifling 96 degrees things got a little brutal out there!

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to race team athlete, Anne Thilges who finish 5th in her age group (F45-49). She not only was up on the Top-5 finisher podium she also earn a coveted Ironman World Championship (Kona) slot! Anne will join the other six (6)  PacWest teammates for this year’s race on October 8th. Congrats Anne!

We also had some very strong and gritty performances including two first time Ironmans! Special recognition to Brian August who crushed the swim with a blistering 51:21! He was the 2nd faster amateur and I believe the 7th fastest including the pros! Way to go Brian!

Congratulations to Ricardo, Chris, Kiet, Sara and Lindsay on your impressive performances!

RACE RESULTS

Name (Division) Finish Time (Overall & Age Group Place) Special Recognition
Brian August (M40-44) 10:14:57 (OA 87, AG 14)
Ricardo Monroy (M40-44) 10:35:19 (OA 161, AG 30)
Chris Hendricks (M30-334) 10:36:18 (OA 167, AG 21)
Kiet Tran (M40-44) 10:59:31 (OA 291, AG 58)
Anne Thilges (F45-49) 11:16:17 (OA 375, AG 5) Podium, Kona Qualifier
Sara Hunt (F30-34) 12:51:49 (OA 1,181, AG 50)
Lindsay Orbeta (F30-34) 13:18:33 (OA 1,429, AG 60)
Brandon Kuhl (M35-39) Did not finish (swim, partial bike)