Ironman Canada - Subaru Ironman Triathlon

Race Results from the 2008 Subaru Ironman held in Penticton BC on August 24th, 2008 and images from last years Subaru Ironman.

Granger and Rhodes Champions at Subaru Ironman Canada
Author: H. Manning

Penticton, BC – It was a perfect morning as 2,200 athletes entered the waters of Lake Okanagan for the 26th running of Subaru Ironman Canada today in Penticton and the surrounding area. The event was won by Belinda Granger of Australia and Bryan Rhodes of New Zealand.

Rhodes, who has had three top five finishes previously at Subaru Ironman Canada, did not have his usual fast swim clearly reserving some energy for the bike and run portion of the course. He faced an early challenge on the run from Victoria’s Jasper Blake. Blake was not able to sustain the charge and fell back to third place. Second place was claimed by first-time Ironman competitor Bernhard Heibl of Austria.

Granger dominated the women’s race, taking the lead early in the bike and bettering the course record by some eleven minutes with a 4:52 bike time. She continued to lead throughout the marathon finishing in a time of 9:17:58 in front of fellow Australian Ali Fitch. The first Canadian woman was third place Heather Wurtele. Wurtele added the podium finish to her win at Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene earlier this year.

Top Ten Finishers

Men

1. BRYAN RHODES (#9) at 8:30:12
2. BERNHARD HIEBL (#35) at 8:34:34
3. JASPER BLAKE (#1) at 8:36:08
4. ANDRIY YASTREBOV (#4) at 8:37:11
5. JUSTIN DAERR (#14) at 8:37:34
6. KYLE MARCOTTE (#5) at 8:44:30
7. MATT LIETO (#10) at 8:45:42
8. COURTNEY OGDEN (#17) at 8:47:04
9. NIGEL GRAY (#26) at 8:50:35
10.MATT SEELEY (#22) at 8:51:17

WOMEN:

1. BELINDA GRANGER (#67) at 9:17:58
2. ALISON FITCH (#68) at 9:26:15
3. HEATHER WURTELE (#66) at 9:39:51
4. SARA GROSS (#51) at 9:41:31
5. LISA BENTLEY (#50) at 9:42:37
6. DESIREE FICKER (#53) at 9:56:09
7. TRACY ROBERTSON (#59) at 9:59:27
8. JANELLE MORRISON (#1856) at 9:59:54
9.RACHEL KIERS (#57) at 10:04:47
10.CATHERINE BROWN (#1822) at 10:10:36

Subaru Ironman aired live at www.ironman.com and Shaw Cable throughout the Okanagan Valley and will be shown on TSN nationally time and date to be confirmed.

Over 2,200 athletes participated in the 26th edition of Subaru Ironman Canada the longest running Ironman race in continental North America.. The picturesque Okanagan Valley played host to an international field that was competing for a $75,000 (Canadian) pro prize purse and 80 qualifying spots for the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.

Subaru Ironman Canada-Sunday, August 24, 2008

Held in Penticton, British Columbia, Subaru Ironman Canada is the oldest Ironman race held in continental North America. Subaru Ironman Canada just celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007 and continues to be regarded as one of the best Ironman events due to its classic course and history.

The history of the race begins with Ron Zalko, the visionary, architect, and founder of Ironman Canada. In 1981/82 Ron Zalko, Vancouver fitness guru, became the first Canadian to compete in the Ironman Triathalon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. From this historic race Ron developed a vision for the future of Ironman in Canada. For the athletes, the love of sport and for Canada he wanted to see a race which would be accesable to other North Americans who shared his passion. In 1983 this vision became a reality and Ron became the first race director and sponsor of the Ironman Canada held in Penticton, BC, where it continues to be held to this day.

Penticton has a population of 30,000 and is up held as one of the most athlete-friendly cities. The great support of the city of Penticton contributes 4,500 volunteers; this group has been given the name "Iron Army”. These incredible volunteers provide support for one of the most timeless events in the sport of triathlon.