Ironman competitors took to the course at Buffalo Springs Lake on Sunday, conquering the race in triple digit heat.
Competitors completed the Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, a half triathlon consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run. The weather quickly heated up to the hottest day, 108 degrees, since June 17, 2017.
“Ice inside my cap, three cups of water on my back at every mile, and half a Gatorade at every mile station. If they didn’t have that, there’s no way you’d be able to finish a race like this. Just brutal,” said Esau Pena, a competitor who drove from McAllen.
Volunteer stations were set up throughout the course, providing snacks, water, and ice cold towels to cool people off. EMS stationed vehicles along the course to assist individuals who needed it, said Brad Duncan, senior field training officer for UMC EMS.
“Without proper hydration it can be very dangerous. You can pass out, go into heat exhaustion, have a heat stroke, so it’s very imperative they get treatment here to keep them from having problems up to two weeks from now,” he said.
Duncan reported assisting at least 165 patients from heat exhaustion, severe dehydration, and just accidents on the course. Despite the heat and terrain, many triathletes were determined to finish the course.
“I love pushing myself to the next limit and seeing what I can do. Just the drive to see that when I set goals, I can obtain them,” said Brian Kelton, a veteran Ironman triathlete.
“It felt good that I’m 60 years old and I can prove that I can still do this again,” said Pena.
