On Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, five Campbellsport alumni competed in the Ironman Triathlon in Madison.
Saturday was the half triathlon (70 miles) in which David Ziegelbauer, Eli Berres and Kal Ferguson competed, with Ziegelbauer finishing the half triathlon in less than seven hours.
Sunday was the full triathlon (140 miles), with the two participants being Taylor Heltemes and Drake Muellenbach. After a very hot week, the weather on Saturday cooled down to the 70s, and on Sunday the highs were in the mid-60s, with 1,475 competitors from all over the world, including Germany and Canada.
The athletes competed in the 140-mile triathlon: a 2.4-mile swim, two laps around Lake Monona off Monona Terrace, then a 112-mile bike ride around Madison and lastly a 26.22-mile run, with an average time to complete it of 12-14 hours.
Heltemes came through the finish line in 13.43 hours, with competitors needing to finish in 17 hours.
The Campbellsport alums have been training since early spring after working full-time jobs.
This Ironman Triathlon is considered one of the toughest sports in the world next to the 100-mile marathon because it takes much stamina and perseverance, and is a very grueling event.
Many people are at the finish line to welcome the athletes as they cross. First-time competitors get to ring a bell when finishing. Experiencing this event is very inspiring.
During the statewide triathlons, a medal, shirt and cap are awarded to those who finish, along with the prestige that comes with it.
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