HITS Triathlon Series stormed Ocala, Florida March 24-25 and welcomed triathletes of all kinds to a weekend full of stellar racing. Over 500 athletes spanning five distances swam in the waters of Lake Weir at Carney Island Park and took to the roads in the rolling hills of central Florida. First-time triathletes conquered their first races on the same courses where elite athletes raced for wins and experienced racers tested their early-season training.
Your winners:
Men
Full – Nick Nothoff (Winston Salem, NC) – 10:02:04
Half – Andrew Heideman (Jacksonville, FL) – 4:15:25
Olympic – Lee Boyer (Jacksonville, FL) – 2:15:36
Sprint – Rod De Kanel (Sainte Genevieve Des Bois, France) – 1:05:08
Open – Jaelin Funk (Celebration, FL) – 19:32
Women
Full – Deborah Battaglia (Salt Lake City, UT) – 11:07:41
Half – Karen Tamson (Naples, FL) – 5:04:13
Olympic – Georgina Frost (Sarasota, FL) – 2:36:38
Sprint – Catherine LaCrosse – (Indianapolis, IN) 1:15:20
Open – Gwen Carlton – (Ocala, FL) 24:06
Here’s a look at the weekend as told by ©ESI Photography photos:
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- The calm before athletes took to the water at Carney Island Park’s Lake Weir. ©ESI Photography.
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- How sweet it is! Catherine Lacrosie crosses the finish line first among the women in the Sprint race. ©ESI Photography Victory.
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- The start of a perfect day to tri. ©ESI Photography.
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- Heading into T2 in high spirits. ©ESI Photography.
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- A little encouragement from Mark H. Wilson, race director. ©ESI Photography.
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- Still smiling at the beginning of 56 miles. ©ESI Photography.
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- Robert Verhelst on his way to delivering another great moment for Code 3 For A Cure. ©ESI Photography.
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- The sun rising over Lake Weir as swimmers exit the water after 1.2 miles. ©ESI Photography.
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- A finish line kiss! ©ESI Photography.
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- Perfect morning to swim a couple miles. ©ESI Photography.
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- A peek at the bright future of triathlon during HITS Ocala’s Open race. ©ESI Photography.
HITS Triathlon Series – Ocala was a blast and we hope to see you all next year!
