2010 Ultraman Day Three
Reno, Nevada's Amber Monforte broke Tina Bischoff's 21-year-old Ultraman women's race record by 1 hour 38 minutes and 40 seconds with a sizzling 24:07:11 finish. Ironman winner and Ultraman rookie Hillary Biscay set a swim record, fought the pain, finished in 24:40:28 and held off six-time champion Shanna Armstrong by 3 minutes 29 seconds to take the runner-up spot. Biscay's 24:40:28 finish left her 37:17 behind Monforte, but 1:05:23 ahead of Bischoff's Ultraman Hawaii record. Armstrong's 24:43:57 finish smashed her Ultraman Hawaii personal best by 65 minutes and topped Bischoff's mark by 1:01:54. Although she trailed Monforte by 1:28:12, Marin, California's Kathy Winkler's 25:35:23 4th place finish after a 7:53:07 run also topped Bischoff's 1989 race mark by 10:28.
Mike LeRoux of Cairns Australia emerged from crocodile swimming country to take down two-time Ultraman champion Jonas Colting, who was suffering from a pulmonary infection, who had to settle fort a courageous second place. Ultraman rookie Slater Fletcher was thrilled with his third place finish exactly two minutes back of Colting. And four-time champion Alexandre Ribeiro of Brazil endured three days of constant vomiting to place second on the final day run in under 7 hours – and take 4th place overall.
All photos © Timothy Carlson
Slater Fletcher of Huntington Beach, California beams on his way to a third place finish in his debut Ultraman Hawaii.
Vanuza Maciel of Brazil took 7th in 29:39:43
US Marine Robert Hillery, 29, ran with the flag for the entire 52.4 miles to honor fallen comrades.
Hillary Biscay dropped 2 miles back after the first marathon, but rallied to take second away from Shanna Armstrong.
Proud 4-time champion Alexandre Ribeiro dropped back to 8th after two days fighting gastric woes. But he rallied for a second-fastest 6:59:02 run to finish 4th overall. And, in an important detail for all Brazilian men, he avoided getting chicked by Monforte.
Jonas Colting was slowed to a walk to fend off asthma like symptoms at Mile 9 of the 52.4-mile run, but rallied to finish second overall.
Mike LeRoux and Milton Augusto de Souza of Brazil favored the shirtless look in mid morning Queen K heat.
Christian McAvoy ran across America four years ago and managed an 8:20:04 double marathon to cinch down 5th place at Ultraman 2010.
Shanna Armstrong runs through North Kohala.
Kathy Winkler strides to 4th place overall – and joined the top three women in toppling Tina Bischoff''s record. Next stop –back to her kindergarten kids in Marin County, California.
Shanna Armstrong jokes around with her support crew and pacers
Armstrong faces the long road ahead to her PR 7:49:07 double marathon.
Mike LeRoux runs past bougainvillea with 8 miles to go.
LeRoux takes a moment to reflect on what he has done.
Jonas Colting is comforted by brother Fredrik at the finish.
Amber Monforte soothes her aching body in the salty Pacific a few yards from the finish.
Maik Twelsiek offers exhausted fiancee Hillary Biscay some comfort pizza as she awaits an IV.
Amber Monforte after her biggest victory.
Marty Raymond accepts the adoration of his support crew.
Think Ultraman is easy? Women's record-setting winner Amber Monforte ascends the awards stage with the help of crutches.
