Jeff Symonds seen here in a Challenge photo just released.
Winner of the Challenge Penticton needed medical attention for a number of superficial injuries suffered after a bike accident on the course.
Wounded and bleeding, Symonds bounced through the chute on the crowd’s energy, high-fiving Penticton fans in the stands before crossing the finish line, giving a yell and throwing his arms in the air.
Second-place finisher Scott DeFillippis (USA) had a standout day, who came out of the swim at 59:01 behind the first 10 men out of the water. He gained serious ground on two wheels, climbing to sixth place with a 4:56:03 bike, and smoked the run for an 8:44:48 finish 12 minutes ahead of third-place finisher Jamie Whyte (NZL). Adam O’Meara wrapped up fourth place at 9:08:34, and Anthony Toth rounded out the top-five field with a 9:10:14 finish – only 40 seconds ahead of Nathan Champness.
It was a fairy tale ending for Carrie Lester, (pictured above) who finished in eighth position overall and topped the women’s field with a time of 9:27:26. Within 12 seconds, Karen Thibodeau (CDN), Jennifer Luebke (USA) and Lester emerged from the swim, but the pack broke apart during the bike. Cycling being her second nature, Lester powered out in front to finish the 180 km in 5:07:53 and stayed strong on the run to remain well ahead of the pack. Thibodeau kept her momentum going through the bike, completing 5:29:12 and 12th overall.
Hometown favourite Jen Annett (CAN) was also behind the first 10 female swimmers, coming out of the water at 1:09:22. A fast transition and solid pace on the bike of 5:21:06 helped her climb up into third position heading into the marathon. She kept the pace for a 9:58:23 third-place title for the women and 14th place overall. Luebke scored fifth place with 10:13:34, only 23 seconds ahead of Erin Furness (NZL).
Pictures Challenge Penticton