Monaco Ironman...Sept. 7, 2008

Today was the Ironman competition here in Monaco. It consisted of 1.9 km Swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run results in 70.3 miles in American measures. The internet site states the following:30 qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship on 10 October 2009 Hawaii

50 qualifying slots for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship on 9 November 2008 Florida

Athletes representing 40 nations

Several of these athletes competed for their countries in the Bejing Olympics....very cool! The morning was overcast, 78 degrees F, and a great breeze. The water was calm, where the swim began.

Video of the START of the RACE...COOL!!!

We live just about 31 floors above, and 100 meters away on the ground from the start of this race, which began on the beach...the swimmers made it the 1.9 KM, and took off on bikes into the mountain area around Monaco for 90 KM...we've driven lots of this route and it's TREACHEROUS in a car...can't imagine doing in on a bike! Then they came back, parked their bikes and did four laps around part of the Grand Prix track on foot...

Art and I went down to see them after three and a half hours into the race. What an amazing site to see these guys and gals, old and young, still running after all that swimming and biking...amazingly fit folks!

We made it to the finish line next to the Casino, and was amazed at the crowd, some at the finish line and others on the terrace of the Hotel de Paris, with champagne and mimosa's freely being drunk...shucks...should have gotten an invite up there!!!

What a nice day for this race, fun to watch! Afterwards, we came home and had to rest from all our walking...Art's going to get us some ice cream to much on now!!!