2006 Entrants
2006 Entrants List
Name: Giorgio Alessi
Age on Race Day: 43 M
From: Valguarnera, Sicily, ITALY
Occupation: Physical Trainer
Recent Races: Sixth Time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 30:37:26, 2005 Ultraman Canada, Completed 2003 Mountain Extreme Triathlon Offroad Ironman distance, , 2007, 2003 Swisspower Gigatlon-solo category – 7 days tour of Switzerland-total 1000 miles with 5 specialties daily: swim, roadbike, mountainbike, inline skate & run
Entering UM because: It is all about challenging yourself, trying to reach your limit and then pushing it a little further. And what better race than the Ultraman?
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Name: Daryl Allen
Age on Race Day: 56 M
From: Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA
Occupation: Stockbroker
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. Foster Half Ironman (6:00:00), Soft sand marathon, 24 Hour cycle, 48 Hour cycle, 1000Km cycle (50 hrs). 8 Ironmans, 15 marathons.
Entering UM because: To find the limit.
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Name: Shanna Armstrong
Age on Race Day: 32 F
From: Lubbock, Texas, USA
Occupation: Massage Therapist/Fitness Instructor
Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. Twice RAAM (10-day 3,043 mile ultra cycling event) Champion sOLO fEMALE WINNER–Only female to finish 2006 Race. Finish time 11 days, 22 hours. 2-PERSON CO-ED TEAM WINNER 8 days, 17 hours, and 36 minutes, 3,050 miles, 2005. Fastest team finishing time in 24th annual race from San Diego to Atlantic City. Twice ULTRAMAN World Champion (2005 and 2003)–Ranked third in overall course record in 2005 (28 hours and 3 minutes). 27 hours and 31 minutes and second fastest in overall course record in 20-year history, 2003. Set course swim record, beating world swim time by 7 minutes. 4-time qualifier for Ironman World Championship – 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 3-time age-group winner of the Southwest Challenge Series – 1999, 2000, 2002, Set new course record in California’s desert endurance race, Furnace Creek 508 – 2004, Competed in over 100 triathlons at sprint, Ironman, Ultraman, and Olympic distances.
Entering UM because:
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Name: David Benwell
Age on Race Day: 47 M
From: Santa Monica, California, USA Occupation: Investor
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. Ironman Arizona 2006(12:35), 2005 (12:05), LA Marathon 2006, 2005, Ironman Florida 2000, Ironman Canada 1988, Ironman World Championships 1986,1985
Entering UM because: 1) for the challenge, 2) physical and emotional health, 3) Met Cowman in 1986 and heard about Ultraman’s fantastic challenge—I’ve been waiting 20 years to do it!
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Name: Dan Brown
Age on Race Day: 30 M
From: Sydney, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Physical Education Teacher/Run Coach
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman Korea, 2005 Quelle Challenge Rothe (10:04:00), 6 Time Ironman World Championships.
Entering UM because: I enjoy the training for ultra races more and more and love the feeling of satisfaction and achievement which comes with each long day. I currently have the time to train so I feel this would make a great time to compete in Ultraman. I am in awe of this race, but will look forward to taking up the challenges it throws at me.
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Name: Ed Chang
Age on Race Day: 33 M
From: Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA Occupation:
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. Ironman USA Lake Placid 2006, 2005, 2004.
Entering UM because: I believe my perserverance, patience, hardwork and good attitude will see me through this great challenge. I need to constantly push myself to see how far I can go. This is a dream I want to make come true. I know that my times aren’t that fast. I know that I can go this distance and I want the chance to try. Shanna Armstrong and Bertrand Dor have been great friends and guides for me this past year.
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Name: Yoshihiro Chijimatsu
Age on Race Day: 41 M
From: Kobe, JAPAN Occupation: Patent Agent
Recent Races: 16th time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 32:05:20, 2005 Sado Island Triathlon finisher, 2004 Ironman Japan.
Entering UM because: “I love this event and friends on the Big Island.”
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Name: Frederick Coogan III
Age on Race Day: 43 M
From: Austin, Texas, USA Occupation: Attorney
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. Ironman Switzerland 2006 (11:59:34), La Jolla Rough Water Swim, Lake Travis 5k Swim, Lake Travis 12 mile Relay Swim.
Entering UM because: I love the challenge and focus of not only the race, but the training as well. I have been encouraged to participate in the Ultraman by Mark Lindsey, Rick Kent and Shanna Armstrong.
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Name: Juan Craveri
Age on Race Day: 38 M
From: Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
Occupation: CEO
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman Korea ( 10:30—swim cancelled), 2006 Ironman Arizona (10:27:06). 7 Ironman Triathlons in last 2 years. Boston Marathon, 100 Miles of the Namib Desert, 100K in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina, several adventure races.
Entering UM because: Ultra Distance Sports are a real challenge for mind and body. More distance, less people. I like to do what others fear. Will run to raise funds for Fundación Natali Dafne Flexer, a foundation for children with cancer, AIDS and other pathologies. Married with 5 children.
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Name: Suzanna Degazon
Age on Race Day: 42 F
From: Bouqueron, PUERTO RICO
Occupation: Scuba Instructor
Recent Races: Ninth time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 32:50:28, 2006 Triple Iron World Championships (51:59:00)
Entering UM because: To push myself to the limits. Ultra(wo)man is the best ultra race on the planet.
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Name: Bertrand Dor
Age on Race Day: 55 M
From: Mahwah, New Jersey, USA
Occupation: Perfumer
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 34:09:34, Ironman Canada 2005, 2004, Ironman Lake Placid 2004, Capon Valley 50K trail run. 23 time Ironman finisher
Entering UM because: For the physical and mental challenge of finding my personal limits, while enjoying the camaraderie of the friendly competition and the wonderful scenery of the island. I am also competing to raise money for children and adults with severe developmental disabilities (cerebral palsy), who can’t swim, bike or run. Please visit www.matheny.org for donations.
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Name: Shane Eversfield
Age on Race Day: 49 M
From: Lake Placid, New York, USA
Occupation: Author/Bike Fit Specialist
Recent Races: : First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman Lake Placid (11:47). JFK 50-Mile run (2005), Oddessy Adventure Off-Road Half Iron (2005), ADK Marathon, Solo 24 Hr. Mountain Bike Race, 2004 Ironman Lake Placid.
Entering UM because: It builds spiritual fitness. Ultraman is a spiritual journey circumnavigating the Big Island, my home of 13 years (until 2003). I am the author of “Zendurance, A Spiritual Fitness Guide for Endurance Athletes.”
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Name: Cory Foulk
Age on Race Day: 47 M
From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA
Occupation: Architect/Scientist
Recent Races: 12th time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 32:11:29. Cory has officially finished Ultraman World Championships 8 times. 2005 Ultraman Canada. 30+ Ironman Finishes, 230M stage run, 11:14 Triple Marathon, 11 time Alii Challenge 10K swim, 50+ Marathons, 50+ Ultramarathons
Entering UM because: “Of the people. It is a special-a very special-culture. I am out there to practice grace under pressure –to plant the seed of Aloha in newcomers. I had a new hip put in in Dec. 2005. I am testing it out for Smith & Nephew, the manufacturer. ”
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Name: David Goggins
Age on Race Day: 31 M
From: Chula Vista, California, USA
Occupation: Navy Seal
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Badwater 135, 2006 Hawaii HURT 100 Miles (run), 24 Hour race in San Diego.
Entering UM because: For the challenge, and to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Contributions can be made at www.specialops.org
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Name: Leslie Holton
Age on Race Day: 38 F
From: Pine, Colorado, USA
Occupation: Biomedical Engineer
Recent Races: IM USA, 24 Hours of Triathlon, multiple marathons (working on the running!). Third time Ultraman. Leslie competed in 2004 & 2005 but failed to make cutoffs on Day 3 and Day 1 respectively.
Entering UM because: “to settle unfinished business. And to prove to myself that I can! ”
Sponsors:
Oomph! Sports, Recover-Ease, SaltSticks
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Name: Kenjiro Kato
Age on Race Day: 37 M
From: Ootsu, Shiga, JAPAN
Occupation: Employee
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman (1995—30:50:40). 2005 Ironman Korea (12:08:58) Triathlons only—every year!
Entering UM because: Enjoy and Challenge!
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Name: David Knight
Age on Race Day: 42 M
From: Saratoga, California, USA (Australian)
Occupation: Vice President-International Marketing and Marketplace Development -eBay
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2005 Ironman Florida (12:32) Have swum the English Channel one and a half times. 14 time Ironman finisher
Entering UM because: Enjoy the challenge to the body mind and soul. Chance to compete with my mate John Maclean and raise funds for the John Maclean Foundation. Contributions can be made at http://www.jmf.com.au
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Name: Jeff Landauer
Age on Race Day: 39 M
From: Roseville, California, USA
Occupation: Massage Therapist
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Vineman. Napa Valley Half Ironman (2006) 3 time Furnace Creek 508 finisher, 2003 Triple Crown Stage Race Champion, 2003, 2004 UMCA Ultracyclist of the Year nominee.
Entering UM because: After crewing for Suzy (Degazon) in ’05 and seeing the race, I said, “I gotta do it!”. My friends laugh at me because I always go to extremes. “This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
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Name: Darin Layman
Age on Race Day: 45 M
From: San Francisco, California, USA
Occupation: Computer Software
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman Coeur D’Alene (13:59) 2005 Ironman UK (12:24) 2004 Ironman Switzerland, 2003 Vineman, 2004-2006 San Francisco – San Diego Bike Ride (600 miles in 5 days).
Entering UM because: I enjoy the mental, spiritual and physical challenges. I dedicate my races to finding a cure for Type I Diabetes. I plan to make this my fundraising race for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.
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Name: Roger Lehman
Age on Race Day: 45 M
From: Evanston, Illinois, USA
Occupation: Retired
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 National 24 Hour Challenge (401.5 miles), 2006 Great Lakes Randonnours Brevets: 400K (15:42), 2005 400K (16:29) and 600K (31:06) 2004 Esprit Triathlon (12:21:09) Numerous Chicago Marathons.
Entering UM because: I do ultra events for the challenge and sense of accomplishment. I would like to participate in Ultraman to push my limits with an amazing challenge.
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Name: John Maclean
Age on Race Day: 40 M
From: North Sydney, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA
Occupation: Athlete
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2004 Ironman Western Australia (11:18:00), 2005 Ironman Western Australia Teams Event. Swum the English Channel. First Wheelchair Athlete to complete the Hawaii Ironman.
Entering UM because: To set new ground for what is physically achievable for a wheelchair athlete. To provide inspiration to kids across the world who need someone to look up to. Will be raising funds for the John Maclean Foundation which provides funding and support for young Australians who use wheelchairs. Contributions can be made at http://www.jmf.com.au
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Name: Ariel Martinez
Age on Race Day: 34 M
From: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Occupation: Petroleum Economist
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman Arizona (10:36:02) Numerous marathons and trail runs in Borneo. Many centuries and double century rides.
Entering UM because: The longer the events, the better I enjoy them. This distance would be a first for me (all together in 3 days). I believe that it will be a great self-discovery. I am looking forward to meeting the group of people participating in this event and their families/crews!
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Name: Sean McFadden
Age on Race Day: 26 M
From: Blackrock, Dublin, IRELAND
Occupation: Marathon Coach
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman France (14:55:00). Great Floridian Triathlon, Houston Marathon. Holds 2 Irish Waterski Records.
Entering UM because: I love training and being able to push myself to my physical limits. It’s all about the challenge & the ability to succeed in extreme situations. I also enjoy helping and coaching others in endurance events.
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Name: Roland Patzina
Age on Race Day: 40 M
From: Kempten, Bavaria, GERMANY
Occupation: Tinsmith
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2004Ultraman World Championships (31:24:24), 2005 Triple Ultra Triathlon Lensahn (53:13:00), 2004, 2003 Triple Ultra Triathlon, 15 times Ironman.
Entering UM because: It is the biggest Ultratriathlon in the world!
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Name: John Powell
Age on Race Day: 49 M
From: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA
Occupation: Real Estate Developer
Recent Races: : First time Ultraman. 2005 Ironman Switzerland (14:26) 5 times Eagleman Half Ironman, 2004 &2003 Ironman Florida, 2003 Ironman Lake Placid, 2002 Ironman Wisconsin
Entering UM because: I believe competing in endurance racing is a good example for my children, family and friends. I have heard nothing by great things about this event from my training partner, Stuart Trager (Ultraman 2004). The challenge and opportunity to fulfill this goal is something I look forward to from a mental, spiritual and physical perspective.
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Name: Martin Raymond
Age on Race Day: 44 M
From: Cumberland, Ontario, CANADA
Occupation: Fitness & Sports Instructor
Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 28:50:04. Marty holds the 4th fastest swim time at Ultraman World Championships. 2006 Ironman Ottawa (6th overall)
Entering UM because: Living to the edge!
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Name: Mike Rouse
Age on Race Day: 54 M
From: San Diego, California, USA
Occupation: Territory Manager–Mizuno
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 31:40:16, Finished 17 100 mile races & 38 50 mile races.
Entering UM because: Love the discipline and the desire to go beyond what the body wants to do.
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Name: Elizabeth Thompson
Age on Race Day: 54 F
From: Toronto, Ontario, CANADA
Occupation: Editor/Writer
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2004 Montreal Esprit (13:59:00). Crewed for brother, Peter Thompson at 2005 UM World Championships. 7 Ironman finishes, Nice-Monaco half marathon, several marathons, Ottawa Cross-Country ski race (50K).
Entering UM because: “Obviously, it’s a challenge. But after crewing, I knew I had to come back to Hawaii. When you do the race, you become part of the island, and it becomes part of you.”
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Name: Gary Wang
Age on Race Day: 39 M
From: Corte Madera, California, USA
Occupation: Engineer
Recent Races: Sixth time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 27:50:21, 9 time Western States 100 finisher, various 50k, 50 mile and 100k ultra-runs.
Entering UM because: Aloha, Ohana & Kokua!
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RELAY TEAMS
Name: Team Kamakani
Swimmer: Linda Bless
Age on Race Day: 44F
From: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
Occupation: Sport Retail
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 22 Years of Surf Life Saving and open water swimming background. 58 min swim at IM Canada 2006.
Entering UM because: I love to train! I love to swim. I have heard about the uniqueness of the race and am honored to be able to participate on this relay team.
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Cyclist: Lauren Fithian
Age on Race Day: 48F
From: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Occupation: USAT Coach
Recent Races: Three time finisher, and two time participant in Ultraman World Championships. Ultradistance cycling events: 24 hour rides, 400 mile & 200 mile road races. 2006 Boston and NYC marathons. Lauren has qualified as a solo rider for RAAM 2007.
Entering UM because: because part mystery/part to show that middle aged & older women can be full participants in ultra-distance events. I am so happy to participate in Ultraman as part of a relay. 2006 would not have been a perfect year without the Thanksgiving Ultraman trip to the Big Island!
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Runner: Andrew Holton
Age on Race Day: 39M
From: Pine CO, USA
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Recent Races: 2006 70.3 World Championships, 2 half marathons (1st in age group in both), Ironman Lake Placid, 1st overall at 24 Hrs. of Triathlon, 1st overall in 50K trail run (3:31:00)
Entering UM because: I like to see how far I can push my body. The opportunity knocked and I’m answering. Although I haven’t done the distance I have had good success at 50K and this is the perfect chance to step up to the next distance. I also have aspirations of doing the whole race soon. Thank you for the opportunity to join the family! (Andrew will crew for his wife, Leslie, the first two day and run on the 3rd. He has crewed for Leslie the last 2 years!)
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Name: Team Squarous
Swimmer: Gene Power
Age on Race Day: 56 F
From: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
Occupation: Landscape Designer
Recent Races: Second time Ultraman (1989), First time Ultraman Relay.
Entering UM because:
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Cyclist: Riccardo Alessi
Age on Race Day: 37 M
From: Valguarnera, Sicily, ITALY
Occupation: Architect
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 RXT Ironterra—relay of 2 (11:10:36)
Entering UM because: It is a challenge for my body and especially for my mind. I crewed for my brother, Giorgio, last year and I enjoyed it so much. I liked the environment of other athletes and crews.
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Runner: Ann Thilges
Age on Race Day: 40 F
From: San Francisco, California, USA
Occupation: Physical Education Instructor, Coach
Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2005 California Man—2nd place Female (12:21:00) 9 Iron Distance triathlons (several off-road).
Entering UM because: competing in ultra-distance events gives purpose to my training. I would like to complete this race solo one day, so competing as a team gives me the chance to survey the course. I am competing on this team only because I have great teammates!
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