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The Cozumel Ironman endurance competition at the end of last month was a roaring success, for the third year in a row. Almost 2,500 athletes gathered from 61 countries to swim, cycle and run past thousands of cheering locals and island visitors. |
Cozumel's Mayor, Aurelio Joaquín González, fired the starting pistol at 6.40am on November 27th to begin the race at the island's Chankanaab Park with a tough 2.4 mile (3.8 km) swim.
Competition was fierce among the participants, who were vying to be first to reach the next stage: a grueling 112 mile (180 km) cycle race around the island. As atheletes raced past the cameras the crowds kept growing and their roars could almost be heard on the mainland. |
 Locals cheer cyclists on. |
After cycling past the best sights of Cozumel, competitors had to dig deep into their energy reserves for the final stage, a 26 mile (42 km) run to the finish line downtown.
 Ladies' winner, Benz. |
Not even a tropical downpour could dampen the leaders' spirits and, after just 8 hours, 23 minutes and 52 seconds, Michael Lovato from the United States was the first male competitor to make it through the tape, to the delight of the excited spectators lining the streets. Not far behind him was Iron Woman, Simone Benz from Switzerland, winning the ladies' event with an equally impressive time of 9 hours, 14 minutes and 18 seconds. |
As well as all the competitors, the hard-working staff that made the event such a success also deserve credit.
They include 40 lifeguards, 10 scuba divers, 4 Waverunner riders, 14 ambulances and crew, 120 volunteer medical staff, and even members the local Mexican Navy.
Now everyone has had time to catch their breath again, training can start for Cozumel Ironman 2012 next November 25th. If you feel like a challenge, entries are already open!
For more photos see our Cozumel 2011 gallery on Facebook, or for full results and to register to participate next year visit the Ironman Cozumel website.
Photos courtesy of Cozumel Municipal Government.
Related News:
Local Competitors Delight Crowds In Cozumel Ironman Dec 9, 2010.
Athletes Prepare For Cozumel Ironman Nov 26, 2010.
Ironman A Spectacular Success Dec 11, 2009.
Island Endurance Test Aug 26, 2008.
