Race Coverage
Long Distance Weekend...
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Monday, 11 September 2023 00:10
Photo - Jason Larson at Ironman 70.3 Wisconsin.
IRONMAN 70.3 WISCONSIN - Minnesotans and those with strong MInnesota ties turned in impressive performances last Saturday at Madison 70.3. Leading the way in dominating fashion for the women was former Minnesota Rookie of the Year and Most Improved winner NICOLE HEININGER, who relocated from White Bear Lake to Madison, Wisconsin four years ago. Her time was very brisk--4:32:23--and the victory marked her third half IM win of 2023. On two of those occasions her runner-up was Twin Citizen CARY HERRICK (4:42:59 at Madison), who has podiumed in her last four halves, including a win at Chisago last July.
In addition to her wins at Madison, Milkman and Door County, Heininger also won Sprint Nationals last month. Add these Ws to her regional victories this year makes her, at least in our book, a strong candidate for US Athlete of the Year.
Finishing fifth overall woman her 70.3 debut last Saturday was rising star ELENA HENGEL (4:53:44), whose father CHUCK won the gold medal in the men's 60-64 AG....
Fargo's ANDREW MANNING, a mainstay in elite Minnesota racing the last several years, placed second in the men's 70.3. His time was 4:15:55, a personal best.
IRONMAN WISCONSIN - Four Minnesota Age Groupers, all of whom have excelled here in the past, podiumed on Sunday at IMOO. Across the board, times were a bit slower than in year's past. Those athletes are:
- AMY HITE - 1st 45-49W / 6th overall woman - 1:00:00
- BETH HASSLER - 2nd 65-69W - 15:13:57
- JEFFREY WARSHAW - 1st 60-64M - 11:00:30
- TIM BROWN - 1st 65-69M - 11:48:13
SQUARE LAKE 70.3 - In other regional long distance action, dog lover SEAN COOLEY (photo L) outraced a 108-finisher field en route to his ninth career half IM win, only DAVID THOMPSON and KORNEY HAAG have more victories at the 70.3 distance by a Minnesota athlete.
Sean's time on Sunday was 4:23:26. He outsplit the field in all three disciplines. He was joined in the Winners Circle by WHITNEY GREINLANGER (5:28:04). Square Lake Sprint coverage will post on Wednesday.
