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Cape Region athletes complete Ironman Florida

Bruce Clayton achieves his own milestones at home
November 19, 2018

A group of local athletes traveled to Florida Nov. 4 to participate in the 20th anniversary of Ironman Florida. Ironman races consist of a 2.4-mile open-water swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, all to be completed in 17 hours. Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, Ironman Florida was moved from Panama City to Haines City with just two-and-a-half-weeks’ notice. While this change was no easy task, Ironman did an excellent job of providing a first-class race experience for its participants.

Though participants trained for a Gulf (saltwater) swim, and flat bike and run course, the change to Haines City provided a lake (freshwater) swim, and a more challenging bike course. The Cape Region participants did an excellent job handling the last-minute changes in this race. Erin Johnson finished with a time of 11:52, Erik Farinas 14:44, Amy Linzey 15:08, and Betsy Tootell 16:10. Betsy earned a second-place podium spot in her age group. A surprise visit from Jake Bamforth was very much appreciated by the participants as he cheered them on. Coach Bruce Clayton of TriCoach was all set to participate in Ironman Florida but, due to a last-minute family illness, was unable to attend. Not daunted, Clayton did his own Ironman here at home, with a 2.4-mile pool swim at the Sussex Family YMCA, 112-mile bike ride through Sussex County, and 26.2 miles on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.

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