Local competitors make scoreboard in half ironman

Kendall Ebanks competes in the half iron distance triathlon

(CNS): The overall winner for the professional triathletes in Cayman’s annual half iron distance triathlon, the Generali Mercuryman, was American triathlete and trainer, Emily Cocks, who managed to complete the 1.2 mile swim in just 29:01:00, the 56 mile bike race in 2:27:36 and the 13.1 mile run in 1:34:07, for an overall time of 4:31:59. Local competitor Marius Acker took first overall in the Men’s Amateur Division, with a 31:47:00 (swim), 2:38:05 (bike) and 1:35:13 (run), an overall time of 4:47:40.

Eighty local triathletes and professionals from overseas competed in the unique competition, which took place in East End on Sunday 18 January.

Stuart Bray, another local competitor, was the winner in the Men’s Aquabike race, with a total finishing time of 3:11:48. Tina Marie Nonato, also a Cayman resident, finished first in the Women’s Aquabike race in 5:29:49. Local relay teams also enjoyed the competition, with top finishes earned by Chafing the Dream (mixed), Tritons (male) and Mercury Maidens (female).

“We knew the day would be successful from the outset as the weather was definitely on our side, with sunny and hot conditions that were perfectly suited to the event,” Race Director Trevor Murphy said. “We were able to start promptly at 7.15am at the Reef Resort in East End and the entire race went smoothly and without a hitch. Children from East End Primary School did their bit to cheer on athletes and offer water at the various water stations. Everyone was committed to doing their part to ensure the success of the day.”

View full race results at www.mercurymantri.com