The typical Florida sunshine treated athletes with exceptional but hot conditions at Challenge Florida. Athletes entered the 26 degree water south of the iconic Venice pier making it a non-wetsuit swim for both pros and age groupers.
Eric Limkemann was consistent all day winning with a time of 3:56:12. Limkemann had the 4th fastest swim by mere seconds, the fastest bike by 5 minutes and the 3rd fastest run. He took the lead early in the bike and extended his lead throughout the day. “I love this race. The conditions were great out there today but the run really was a challenge with the heat. The volunteers were amazing all day”, Limkemann said. Folllowing Limkemann was Thomas Gerlach in 4:04 in 2nd, Justin Metzler in 3rd in 4:09 followed by Dan Feeney in 4th and Sean Donnelly in 5th.
On the women’s side, it was a trio that stayed together for 2/3rds of the day. Lauren Goss, Emily Cocks, and Jennifer Spieldenner were seconds apart for the swim and bike, making it an exciting race. But it was Goss who blasted out of T2 first and never looked back. Goss had the fastest run of the day among the women with a 1:24 and the 4th fastest among men and women. Goss’ winning time of 4:18 bested Emily Cocks by 8 minutes and Spieldenner by 11 minutes. Rounding out the podium was rookie pro Emily Sherrard and Carly Johann.
Age group athletes spent the day managing hydration on the 31 degree and humid day. But many smiles were seen at the finish line as athletes were greeted with ice cold Gatorade towels, water, tropical fruit and ice baths.
Challenge Florida results may be found at www.challenge-FL.com/results.
