Julie Anderson of Frank crosses the finish line and takes third place in the Ironman Challenge-Penticton. Anderson spent 22 hours in competition until she finished the competition.
DIEGO SYZ
Pass Herald Staff
Julie Anderson, 38, of Frank, Alberta took third place in the Ironman Challenge Penticton, Aug.28.
“Everyone gets their own ribbon to break so when you finish its like-yes,” she said and added, “It’s awesome”.
“The challenge was great- it was a lot different than a lot of races,” she said.
Anderson has competed in about 13 different Ironman competitions across North America, in places like; Penticton and Fernie in Canada, Coeur D’alene and Florida in the United States and Cozumel and Los Cabos in Mexico, she said.
The year’s Ironman competition was different this year because it introduced the first ever Challenge Family race in North America, according to Challenge-Penticton.com
“Today marks a whole new journey for the sport of triathlon in North America,” said Challenge Family CEO, Felix Walchshofer.
“The Challenge Family has officially launched in another continent, bringing enhanced race experiences to a whole new group of athletes, we cannot wait to welcome them into the family at the finish line”.
Challenge Penticton Canada is a not-for-profit society committed to providing an exceptional race experience for athletes, the supporters and the community, with the mandate to give to local sport-related charities,” according to Challenge-Penticton.com.
“I wanted to support the local community, it’s all about volunteers,” said Anderson who added she was a habitual competitor in the Penticton Ironman challenge.
She did note however, there were less people competing this year- only about 800 when usually there was around 3000 people attending.
The big difference in the lack of other competitors was you were not able to draft swim, she said.
“The group I was in – you try to swim right behind someone- but, it was really windy and choppy so instead of swimming 3800m it was like swimming 4800m,” she said.
Next comes the bike race- 180km in total according to Anderson and the rest of the challenge is all running.
The Penticton Ironman challenge took competitors from Penticton to Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos and then back around to Penticton.
The race took Anderson about 22 hours to complete, she said.
“I love it- when you find something in life you really love, you just want to keep doing it,” said Anderson.
Anderson trains for the event seven days a week in all, she said.
She has now branched out to coaching.
“One of the four people I coach- went under 12 hours, which is really good for her 1st time,” finished Anderson.
