1 of 19 photos
If this image is not calling you to Alaska, maybe no other image will.
2 of 19 photos
It was a cold morning and the athletes had to deal with very cold water.
3 of 19 photos
Undeterred by the the early 4am start, the water temps in the low to mid 50s and air temps in the 50s, the athletes lined up for a long adventure.
4 of 19 photos
According to Palaian, water temp was 55 degrees at start. "When they hit the waterfall about 1/3 of the way through it dropped to 46 degrees. From there it slowly went back up to 51 by the exit. Average water temp all things considered was 51-52 degrees. The waterfall feeding the course was brutal," said Palaian.
5 of 19 photos
Helping hands at the swim exit were greatly appreciated.
6 of 19 photos
Off on the bike course with no drafting packs in sight, but a rewarding beautiful landscape.
7 of 19 photos
Danny Dvinov from Oakland, CA on his way to second place in 11:37:41.
8 of 19 photos
The fastest man on course was Andrew Fast from Salt Lake City. He set the standard to beat at 11:18:29. He swam 1:11:11, had a 3:52 T1, biked 5:10:46, had a 1:32 T2 and closed his day with a 4:51:08 run.
9 of 19 photos
Jason Tillinghast, also from Utah, enjoys this flat stretch of the Alaskaman bike course.
10 of 19 photos
With "only 27.5 miles" of running ahead Zackary Dicks and two other athletes push towards the finish in Alyeska.
11 of 19 photos
Sebastian Lopez from Bay City, Texas relaxed and happy on the way to a 13:46:09
12 of 19 photos
Alone with nature and your own thoughts.
13 of 19 photos
Mary Knott and Dan Beaver from Gilbert Arizona running past a good group of spectators and fans. Knott and Beaver finished in 15:27 and change.
14 of 19 photos
Mackie Derrick from Anchorage, AK had time to say hi to his family and finish 10th male in 13:20:59
15 of 19 photos
Craig Alexander was on course too, but he was supporting his friend Leonardo Mello from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mello who apparently is the principal supporter of the Bravo Triathlon Team finished 6th male in 12:56:18.
16 of 19 photos
Up, up and up. Britta Anderson from Eagle River, Alaska pushed towards the finish. Her time 17:39:05.
17 of 19 photos
Peter Denekamp traveled all the way from the Netherlands to race in this inaugural race.
18 of 19 photos
Almost there.
19 of 19 photos
Completely exhausted, cold and happy.