It was a record breaking day at the Ford Ironman Arizona on November 21, 2010 in Tempe. A deep pro field thick with talent gave the race an Ironman World Championship feel without the lava. Eratic weather including wind, rain and hail prevailed throughout the day taking the biggest toll on the age group athletes.
Germany’s Timo Bracht and Great Britain’s Chrissie Wellington celebrated wins. Wellington went 10 for 10 on her Ironman starts and finished. Bracht, a multiple-Ironman champion, crossed the finish line nearly four minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Rasmus Henning (DNK). His winning time of 8:07:16 bested the previous overall record of 8:13:35, which was set in 2009 by defending champion, Jordan Rapp (USA).
Wellington, a three-time Ironman World Champion, finished eighth overall and set a new world record at an official Ironman race. Wellington crossed the line in 8:36:13, nearly 30 minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Linsey Corbin (USA). After crossing the finish line Wellington exclaimed this was her Kona and with a big smile across her face did the Blazeman roll across the finish line to show her support of the Blazeman Foundation and their battle against the vicous ALS. As a true ambassador of the sport, Wellington waited at the finish to greet second place finisher Lindsey Corbin.
John Dahlz (USA) was first out of the water ahead of top contenders including Henning, Matt Reed (USA) in his debut Ironman and Rapp. Midway through the bike, Rapp took the lead with Chris Lieto (USA), Henning and Bracht in the chase pack. Bracht began to make his move at mile 90 of the bike and entered T2 four seconds ahead of Rapp. He remained in front throughout the marathon and crossed the line in first. Henning and first-time Ironman Tom Lowe (GBR), (Wellington’s boyfriend) battled for second and third place and set the two fastest run splits of the day. Last year’s winner, Rapp, finished fourth. It was an emotional finish for Rapp, who suffered a near fatal bike accident in March of 2010.
Leanda Cave (GBR) who resides in Tucson, exited the water first, followed by Rachel Joyce (GBR), Meredith Kessler (USA) and Wellington. Cave lead for the start of the bike, but Wellington pulled ahead at approximately mile 32 and dominated for the remainder of the day. Wellington posted a 4:47:06 bike riding the last few miles on her rims after flatting. and a blistering 2:52:56 run for an overall time of 8:36:13, the fastest women’s time in Ford Ironman Arizona history. Corbin and Cave rounded out the podium, finishing in second and third, respectively.
A total of 2516 athletes ranging in age from 18 to 80 jumped in to the cold water of Tempe Town Lake as the sun rose. The were on a mission to cover 2.4 miles in the water, 112 miles on their bikes and 26.2 miles on their feet. It was a tough day but 2399 participants made it through the finish line by the time the clock struck midnight.