2731 athletes started the 2014 Ironman Arizona and most of them were age group athletes. Here are random images of these hardened souls who spent time from just under 9 hours to up to 17 hours on the windy course in Tempe. All images are © Eric Wynn / slowtwitch.com.
Litchfield Park, AZ resident Michael Brown cranking hard to a 5:53:24 split on the way to a 10:46:05 finish in M40-44.
The Fidelity National Title Agency building makes an impressive background for the massive transition area.
And they age groupers are off on their journey to become Ironmen and Ironwomen.
Veronica Mailer came from Austin, Texas to race in Tempe in F50-54.
Jorge Orozco from Mexico on course to a 10:44:03 in M45-49.
With about 2670 age groupers on course there was some congestion early on.
Anne Marie Magliocco from Old Greenwich, CT biked a fine 5:39:13, but then paid for it on the run with a 5:20:15 marathon.
Marine Jerrold Alcantara managed to finish Ironman Arizona in 11:43:52.
Stacey Dayley from Anchorage, AK in the background passing Vickie Tippett from Reno, NV, with Dayley riding 6:55:15 and Tippett riding 7:41:22.
Once on the run course it is not just about moving forward, but also about taking in the surroundings.
We say this over and over, but can't say it often enough - thank you volunteers, you rock.
A body taxed on an Ironman course needs lots of refueling.
Bananas, oranges and various liquids find the athletes well all day long.
The legendary Luis Alvarez gets encouragement from Timex team manager Tristan Brown on his 6:36:23 death march. I feel you Luis.
Running along the water in Tempe, Arizona.
A 1:10:01 swim, 5:26:19 bike split and a 3:41:47 run for James Koch from Laguna Beach, CA.
With the finish in sight a big smile appeared on the face of Darren De Reuck from Boulder, CO. His time of 10:36:54 was good enough for 20th place in M45-49
The 10:37:04 finish of Marialuz Arellano from Quito, Ecuador meant 11th place in F40-44.
Who needs a big flag when you got the fine silver space blanket? Chris Sankey from Tampa, FL finished IMAZ in 13:54:37.
The volunteers are patient until midnight and we are beyond grateful.
