2018 Bios
=2018 Ultraman World Championships
Athlete Bios
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# 791 Armando Armellini, M46, ITALY and VENEZUELA Occupation: Executive Coach Races: UMFL 2016,UMWC 2016, Participates in regular long distance bike rides (century +), As a dual citizen of two countries I would like to represent ITALY and VENEZUELA Entering Ultraman because: UltraDistance sports is like meditation; A Great opportunity to find yourself and grow. And this event Is all about the OHANA; the genuine family bond created between athletes, orgarnisers, crews, volunteers and the community. CREW: Swim Escort: Sue Roberts; Land Crew: Kristin Yoshida (Team Captain), Mieko Armellini, Emiko Armellini, Howie Nordstrom |
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#792 Delia Banus Pedreny, F38, Vilanova i la Geltru, SPAIN Occupation: Vendedor Races: Ultraman Florida 2017, Maratón des sables 2011/ 2014/ Ironman Nice , Embrun , Ironman Zurich. Entering Ultraman because: Porque son mi gran pasión ! Love triatlón CREW: Swim Escort: Tom Pomoroski; Land Crew: Aturo Giminez (Team Captain), Chad Foster |
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#793 Cynthia Bartus, F40, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Occupation: Physician Races: Ultraman Florida 2018. Finsiher of Boston marathon every year since 2010. Entering Ultraman because: The personal challenge pushes me to compete in ultradistance events. The comraderie and team-nature of the UltraMan events can’t be beat, and I want to do another one! CREW: Swim Escort: Danielle Benke; Land Crew: Steve Thompson (Team Captain), Randy & Mary Latza |
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#794 Shannon Callies, F49, Bellevue, Washington, USA Occupation: Principal at Microsoft Races: Ultraman Florida 2017 and 2016; Completed over 34 Ironmans since 1997, and over 38 marathons, I have summited Mt Rainier over 25 times, this is the largest mountain in contential US that climbers train on for 8,000 meter peaks like Everest. I was also named one of top 25 fittest athletes in hi-tech by mashable.com. I work at Microsoft at the Principal level. Entering Ultraman because: For the challenge, and to be be mentor to others to show nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. CREW: Swim Escort: Denise Boatwright, ; Land Crew: Mark Moody (Team Captain), Johanna Garton, Gria Biancacelli |
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#795 Juan Bautista Castilla Arroyo, M35, Valverde del Camino, SPAIN Occupation: Profesor de Universidad Races: Ultraman Wales 2014, Ultraman Canada 2015, Ultraman Australia 2016, Ultraman Florida 2017, Triatlon Fuga De Alcatraz (2011), Ironman Niza (2012), Ironman Lanzarote (2013). Desafio Donana (2014-2017). Toroman (2016) Entering Ultraman because: For me the sport of ultradistance is a way of life. CREW: Swim Escort: Manuel Palanco; Land Crew: Manual Palanco (Team Captain), Antonio Salas, Emilio Blanco |
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#796 Juan Coassolo, M42, Crespo, ARGENTINA Occupation: Races: Crossing of the Andes Patagonia (3 days-100KM) (2 times done), I am going to fulfill my promise to give all my bacon in the briefing breakfast (Jen);) Entering Ultraman because: Run ultradistance for me… means to overcome barriers of the impossible and make it possible … it means to transcend, to leave a legacy of overcoming.The Ultraman world championship … A great dream for me, a lot of illusion and work put into it. A pride to be part of the great Family (Ohana) CREW: Swim Escort: Alin Lupas; Land Crew: Alin Lupas (Team Captain), Maria Eugenia Zapata |
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#797 Juan Craveri , M50, Caba, ARGENTINA Occupation: Business Owner Races: 15th time Ultraman. 1x Ultraman UK, 1x Ultraman Florida, 2x Ultraman Canada, 2x Ultraman Australia, 7 x Ultraman Hawaii, 61xIronman Entering Ultraman because: More distance, less people and tons of Ohana! CREW: Swim Escort: Christine O’Gorman; Land Crew: Summer Maxwell (Team Captain), Rod “Shrek” Smith |
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#798 Adam Grant, M54, Northridge, California, USA Occupation: Partner Races: Ultraman Florida 2018 – finished 17th out of 39 in 28:39:08, 13 Ironman finishes, Boston Qualified with 3:18, Won age group at Challenge Atlantic City Long Course 2015, I am very involved with Chuck Kemeny in Coaches for Cause, volunteer my time with junior triathletes in LA Tri Club and volunteer my time by talking to underprivileged children about the commitment to doing Ironman and a healthy lifestyle. Entering Ultraman because: I crewed for Tom Regal in 2017 UMFL, Raced in 2018 – love our family! Ultra distance speaks to my soul and the love felt by other crew/participants is the warmest feeling ever! CREW: Swim Escort: Jeff Molder; Land Crew: Sam Cooke (Team Captain), Patrick Ellison |
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#799 Rob Gray, M42, SOUTH AFRICA Occupation: Watt Meister Races: 5th time Ultraman. Mainly just world champion, UMWC 2016,2017, Winner Ultraman Florida 2016. Entering Ultraman because: It’s the greatest race in the world! CREW: Swim Escort: John Roberts; Land Crew: Ian Hershey (Team Captain), Michael Bush, Shahir Ahmed, Cary Craig |
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#800 David Hainish, M34, Milton, Ontario, CANADA Occupation: Software Engineer Races: 2017 Ultraman Florida Champion, National Hour Record holder & the protege of Erik Seedhouse, Entering Ultraman because: To test myself mentally, physically & emotionally. CREW: Swim Escort: Wendy Minor; Land Crew: Stephanie Nogueira (Team Captain), Stuart Stevens, Bernie Aquino, Jim Schembri |
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#801 Toni Hodge, F52, Sydney, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Manager, Research Strategy & Analysis Races: Ultraman Australia, 2017: 12 x Ironman finisher (soon to be 13) since 2011, including competing at the Ironman World Championships in Kona in 2014. Entering Ultraman because: I love the mental and physical challenge presented by ultra distance events and completing Ultraman Australia was a life-changing experience. I want to participate in UMWC to inspire women all around the world to get out there and do what they thought wasn’t possible. CREW: Swim Escort: Deb West and Becky Bender; Land Crew: Peter Hill (Team Captain), Dave Dwan, Todd Weinmann |
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#802 Peter Hudson , M39, MALVERN EAST, Victoria, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Personal Trainer Races: 2015 UM Australia, 2015 UMWC, 2016 UM Australia, My mum passed away in 2006 from bowel cancer. I want to make a difference in the fighe against cancer, so one day people won’t have to go through what my family and I did. Entering Ultraman because: I want to see just how far we can push ourselves and also as a platform to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. I want to do this event in particular as I love the ohana within the Ultraman family and I want to be close by as Scott McDermott finishes his race. CREW: Swim Escort: Dick Roberts; Land Crew: Adam Fox (Team Captain), Robert Hudson, Shae Hamilton |
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#803 Juanma Jordan, M43, Guaynabo, PUERTO RICO Occupation: Veterinarian Races: Ultraman Florida 2017, Ultraman Florida 2018 Staff Volunteer, Ironman distances: 2018 Mont-Tremblant, Quebec; 2016/2011 Arizona; 2009 Panama City, Florida. Several Ultra-marathons including: Grand Canyon Rim-Rim-Rim; Ironman 70.3 x12 times; 2013 Escape from Alcatraz, Ultraman for me: It is really a combination of passion for the sport and a sense of respect for the distance, the support of family and friends (old and new)that not only help you start but endure the whole process (Aloha – Love); Ultraan World Championships Hawaii is not just another finish line. Entering Ultraman because: Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii is not only a dream, a personal quest; is my next step in endurance challenge! There is something magical about the Ultraman Racing and family. Hawaii is where everything started! What drives me going the distance is the odyssey of personal re-discovery CREW: Swim Escort: Luis J. Jordan; Land Crew: Luis J. Jordan (Team Captain), Liliana Martinez Vidal, Suzy Degazon |
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#804 Gary Kelly, M47, GREAT BRITAIN Occupation: Consultant Races: 2017 UMOZ – 23:47:04,2016 UMOZ – 27:34:09. Entering Ultraman because: I enjoy the physical and mental challenge. But love the family and team dynamic that permeates the entire event. As crazy as it sounds, I also try to make a spiritual connection with the places I race. CREW: Swim Escort: Laurie Hillyard; Land Crew: Angela Kelly (Team Captain), Nicole Michael, Lauren Smith |
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#805 Mary Knott, F41, Gilbrt, Arizona, USA Occupation: Veterinarian Races: Ultraman Australia 2017, Ironman World Championship qualifier and finisher, multiple time Boston qualifier and finisher, 24 time Ironman, multiple time 50k and 50 mile trail race finisher. Ultraman Australia tops my list of life experiences. I would be honored to continue my Ultraman Journey on the Big Island of Hawaii. Entering Ultraman because: I love to challenge myself and feel that my strength lies in endurance. I am not the fastest person on most courses, but I can outlast. I am excited to apply for the Ultraman World Championships as icing on my Ultraman cake. I crewed at Ultraman Canada 2014 and was inspired to race Australia. CREW: Swim Escort: Sara Govier; Land Crew: Chris Blick (Team Captain), Dan Beaver, Heidi Videto |
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#806 Miro Kregar, M56, Kamnik, Stahovica, SLOVENIA Occupation: Event Organizer/Coach Races: 13th time Ultraman. UMWC 2016, 1st Place 2013 Ultraman World Championship. 3 times second place overall, 2 times third place – PB 22:35, Finished 21 Ironmans – PB 8:52. Entering Ultraman because: I like the UM race. CREW: Swim Escorts: Elliot Parsons; Land Crew: Jennifer “Quickie” Watt (Team Captain), Kerri Tobin |
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#807 Vanuza Regina Maciel, F48, Curitiba, Paraná, BRAZIL Occupation: Triathlon Coach Races: Ultraman World Championships 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014; 25 x Ironman full distance , 27 years dedicated to the practice of Triathlon, Triathlon Coach at 22 years. Entering Ultraman because: I love the Ultraman family and would love to challenge myself again on the Big Island. CREW: Swim Escort: Jennifer McDaniel; Land Crew: Luiz Henrique Rissato (Team Captain), Marcelo Bruni, Raphael Russi |
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#808 Bruno Maggio, M37, Las Condes, CHILE Occupation: Project Manager Races: UMFL 2016. Ironman 70.3 Bueno Aires, March 2017, Ironman 70.3 Pucón Chile, January 2017, Ironman Full Cozumel 2016, November 2016 (Cut my foot on the marathon), Ultramarathon Torres del Paine, May 2015, 80Km (49 mi), Ironman Full Florianopolis, May 2014. Entering Ultraman because: I love long triathlons and endurance races because they have a good vibration around them. Athletes really want to help you finish, not just beat you. Doesn’t matter, who you are, coaches, people on the street, and organizers give you cheers, and that gives you a good feeling. I remember that in Ultraman Florida, every time I saw anyone, I was screaming “Let’s do this”. And people cheer back. I also remember talking to other athletes, sharing tips, sharing water and making friends that I still talk to. Also, it is such an odyssey just the months of training before, the equipment preparation, the nutrition, the scale of the race. It is like going to the moon. So, after every long competition, I feel really good about myself, about what I have accomplish (during the race), and also because of my family, coaches, and team mates that support me. I would be honored if you select me to participate, I would be the first Chilean. I would represent very good my country. CREW: Swim Escort: Charles Bittenbring; Land Crew: Rayen Irribarra (Team Captain), Charles Bittenbring |
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#809 Gaurav Makkar, M38, Gurgaon, Haryana, INDIA Occupation: Partner Races: Ultraman Florida 2018. Entering Ultraman because: Its challenging and I feel contented. I want to participate in this event because it was thrilling and most amazing experience i had while racing in Ultraman florida, met such a lovely and awesome people, cant wait to meet them again. CREW: Swim Escort: Jeremy Howard; Land Crew: Jeremy Howard (Team Captain), Caroline Bloom |
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#810 Bojan Maric, M49, Belgrade, SERBIA Occupation: Triathlon Coach Races: Ultraman Florida 2017, 37 (till this date) Ironman finishes, 60+ marathon finishes. Entering Ultraman because: It is a full circle – returning to a pure love of the sport. CREW: Swim Escorts: Mandy Minor; Land Crew: Joseph Bradfield (Team Captain), Kelly Maric, Vedran Kapic |
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#811 Scott McDermott, M49, Sylvan Lake, Alberta, CANADA Occupation: Personal Trainer, Entrepreneur Races: UM Canada ,2013. UMWC – Kona, The past 2 years has been about recovery and small victories. Painful Physio, surgeries and getting back to good. Signed up for lots this year: Tri Sutton camp in March, Half Marathon May, 400km Bike in one day – June (fundraiser) IM 70.3 in July, I have been thinking about this since Christmas 2015…. and just want to get back. Entering Ultraman because: I LOVE the event, the people, the family, and the challenge. To spend race week with my best friends, to see what I can do, to connect with my Ohana….. magic! And to hear Steve King say stuff…. CREW: Swim Escort: Sherri Carney; Land Crew: Darren Thompson (Team Captain),Lyle Katchur, Jochen Dembeck, Drew Kenworthy |
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#812 Alessandro Medeiros, M48, BRAZIL Occupation: Technician Pest Control Races: Ultraman Florida 2017, Adventure Race for 20 years, Ultramarathons, Open Water Swimmer Entering Ultraman because: I love long distances I feel good at peace. Love, family and friendship They are values ??I teach my daughters. CREW: Swim Escort: Jeffrey Roy; Land Crew: Jose Ricardo Graca (Team Captain), Cristiano Marcellino |
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#813 Tara Norton, F47, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA Occupation: Tri coach, massage therapist Races: Ultraman worlds 2016. 21 or so ironman distance finishes, multiple 50km and 50mile trail run finishes, volunteer at ultraman Florida, signed up for Doxaraces as a solo team and Transelkirks trail run, I am hoping to be given the honor of coming back and finishing the race without a broken leg 🙂 Entering Ultraman because: I love to go long and push my limits and I especially love the ohana and aloha of Ultraman! I also love that my daughter can be a part of this race and learn that anything is possible when you put your mind to it. The experience of volunteering and racing at Ultraman was like no other race: THE BEST. CREW: Swim Escort: Tom Arban; Land Crew: David Taylor (Team Captain), Bruce Greenwood, Maya Greenwood |
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#814 Roy Payne, M54, SUGARLOAF KEY, Florida, USA Occupation: Law enforcement state of Florida Races: 2016 Ultraman Florda, 25 Ironmans finished. Racing for Team Blue Line to raise funds for families of Police officers killed in the line of duty. Entering Ultraman because: I love the challenge of the distance and the family atmosphere of the athletes CREW: Swim Escort: Christina Williams; Land Crew: Angie Payne (Team Captain), Park Alsop, Peaman |
| #815 Juan Luis Quero Guerrero, M46, Sitges, SPAIN Occupation: Policia Races: Ultraman Florida 2017, Titan Desert, Marathon des Sables 17 Ironman Distance Entering Ultraman because: Fight against me, personal motivation and Hawai is the top of triathlon dream. CREW: Swim Escort: Tim Wiley; Land Crew: Miguel Angel Luna (Team Captain), Ruth Lopez |
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#816 Ignacio Quiles Lara, M39, SPAIN & ARGINTINA Occupation: Marketing Director Races: UMWC 2016, Qualified for the USA Triathlon National Championship 2018 (Ohio), I think that in today’s society, which inundates us with media and empty content like reality TV shows, people are drawn to the utter reality and epic challenge of covering long distances in beautiful, natural places Entering Ultraman because: I just got to a point where I started questioning who I wanted to be and where, in five years, this endurance path was going to take me. There’s something eerily romantic about swimming, riding and running in Kona. CREW: Swim Escort: Glee Jewell; Land Crew: Mariana Fernandez (Team Captain), Phil Makin, Ellis Andrews |
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#817 Manmadh Rebba, M39, Hyderabad, INDIA Occupation: Architect / Project Manager Races: 2017 UMFL Finisher and 2017 UMWC Participant. Just want to continue with my journey with purpose. Namaste! Entering Ultraman because: It’s the experience of spiritual journey, love, family, support that is hard to experience to this level elsewhere. Why this event? Definitely all the above and also Redemption. My Day 1 swim affected my 2017 race (dnf) and I want to complete the unfinished business officially and pay my respect. CREW: Swim Escort: Stevie Van Emmenis; Land Crew: Staci Studer (Team Captain), Marcos Moya, Ardis Bow |
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#818 Tom Regal, M50, Chatsworth, California, USA Occupation: Endurance Coach Races: Ultraman Florida 2017, Have competed in triathlons for 15 years, including 3 Ironmans, I use my racing to raise awareness and money for the National MS Society. Entering Ultraman because: I love the physical and mental challenge. This race has always been the holy grail of my triathlon racing – to race around the Big Island. It’s been my dream. CREW: Swim Escort: Carl “Gecko” Ko’omoa; Land Crew: John Morena (Team Captain), Mark Link, Patti Morena, Wendy Regal |
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#819 Shangrila Rendon, F37, Hawthorne, California, USA & PHILIPPINES Occupation: Triathlon/Endurance Coach Races: Ultraman Florida 2016, Guinness World Record Holder. More in http://shangrilarendon.com/career_highlights/ Entering Ultraman because: Because ultra-distance requires more than physical training. Each athlete is tested to its limitations. I’m able to know more amazing people. Ultraman World Championship is my dream CREW: Swim Escort: Bo Pardau; Land Crew: Vineta Rendon (Team Captain), Billy Rickards, James Namuag, Julie Uychiat |
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#820 Edison Serna Serna, M38, San Andrés, COLUMBIA Occupation: Priest Races: Ultraman Florida 2018, HITS Full Distance Triathlon. I will be the first Priest in the world who does and finishes this type of event. Entering Ultraman because: I really love this distance CREW: Swim Escort: Chris Kutsch ; Land Crew: Diana Avila (Team Captain), Santiago Sanchez, Elise Foster |
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#821 Fiona Siemelink, F52, Houston, Texas, USA Occupation: Triathlon Coach and Personal Trainer Races: 2017 UMWC. 2015 Ultraman Florida,2017 Ultraman Florida,2017 Ultraman World Championship ~ Kona, I am a lifelong athlete, and the call of ultra distance events has long since lived in my blood: I have completed 100 mile running events, the 3 day Duzi Canoe Marathon (South Africa, youngest female ever in 1983); Co-launched 80km trail run in CTown Entering Ultraman because: I do these events because I absolutely LOVE them! The people, the buzz, the positive energy, the kindness, the humbleness of everyone, the team spirit, the willingness to help, the love, the kindred souls, the sense of being a part of our international Ohana, the freedom of being, the challenge….The United States of America! First time since becoming an American!! CREW: Swim Escort: Tina Flower; Land Crew: Hans Siemelink (Team Captain), Steve Fraser |
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#822 Marc Siques Llagostera, M36, Barcelona, CATALUNYA Occupation: Police Races: Ultraman Florida 2018, -Jungle marathon ( 250 km in seft-autosufiency in the Amazon) -The coastal Challenge ( 230 km in Costa Rica ) -Ultra trail du mont Blanc -Marathon des Sables Entering Ultraman because: For me run in Hawaii is my “ultra dream”. CREW: Swim Escort: Kawika Crivello; Land Crew: Joan Siques Saez (Team Captain), Rebeca Talens Dominguez |
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#823 Michal Subrt, M47, Odry , CZECH REPUBLIC Occupation: Manager Races: 2018 UMFL. 6x 24hours mountain ultramaraton; more 15 times ironman Entering Ultraman because: I like this ultra events. Ultraman Hawaii is epic challenge for me. CREW: Swim Escort: Jan Simon; Land Crew: Vera Blahola (Team Captain), Jan Simon |
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#824 Richard Thompson, M33, Kiels Mountain, Queensland, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Head Coach – tzeromultisport.com Races: 2017 Ultraman Australia, Ultraman World Record Holder, Age Group Ironman World Champion Entering Ultraman because: I do ultra distance sports to live my potential and to find out what I am truly capable of. I want to race UMWC to test myself against this course and the history that has happened on it. CREW: Swim Escort: Dan Gampon; Land Crew: Nick Quinn (Team Captain), Scott Farrell, Nick Rinaudo, Steve Wehlow, Lisa Spink |
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#825 Melissa Urie, F34, Braybrook, Victoria, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Nurse Races: Ultraman Canada 2014,Ultraman Australia 2016, x6 Ironmans, x4 marathons Entering Ultraman because: I love to push myself to my perceived maximum effort and then how much further I can go beyond that. This is the Ultraman World Championships. I have done two Ultramans so now it’s time to come and do the ultimate and original one! CREW: Swim Escort: Ramona Crivello; Land Crew: Michael Skragg (Team Captain), Will Rogers, Pep Karalus, Rachel Karalus |
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#826 Petr Vabrousek, M45, Zlin-Malenovice, CZECH REPUBLIC Occupation: Triathlon Coach Races: 2018 UM Florida Champion. Full list at www.petrvabrousek.cz Entering Ultraman because: Ultraman distance and race philosophy suits me great. CREW: Swim Escort: Jackie Hoffman; Land Crew: Mike DeCarli (Team Captain), Dan Gampon |
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#827 Mayank Vaid, M41, INDIA Occupation: Intellectual Property Director Asia Pacific Races: UMOZ 2017, Run the Rann 100-miler February 2018 Entering Ultraman because: My mind and body like Ultra more than other events. UMH – because it’s the greatest race! CREW: Swim Escort: Susannah Harvey-Jamieson; Land Crew: Davvon Shields (Team Captain), Theresa Vaid, Janeene Mansey, Alun Gyn Davies |
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#828 Gary Wang, M51, Corte Madera, CA, USA Occupation: Engineer Races: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 Ultraman World Championships finisher (27:58:09);2012 Ultraman World Championships finisher (26:35:30); 2001 – 2013 Ultraman World Championships finisher; 14 times Western States 100 Finisher. Entering Ultraman because: Aloha! CREW: Swim Escort: Kris and Sylvester; Land Crew: Kris Ishii Orosco (Team Captain), Sylvester Ishii Orosco |
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#829 Travis “Trout” Wayth, M48, Porepunkah, Victoria, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Mowoligist. Races: 2016, 2015 Ultraman World Championships. UMOZ 2016, 2015. IM Melbourne 2015, IM Cairnes 2014 . IM NZ 2014. IM Australia 2014. I’m good at mowing lawns. I’m shy Entering Ultraman because: Love UMWC CREW: Swim Escort: George Abood; Land Crew: Rosie Spicer (Team Captain), Dave Williamson, Helen Roach |
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#830 Arnaud Winter , M49, FRANCE Occupation: Perfumer Races: UMWC 2015. Ultraman Florida 2015, Ironman World Championship 2013. Support the Children Cardiac Center @ Joe DiMaggio Children Hospital Entering Ultraman because: For the challenge faced, the friendship made, an human adventure shared with your loved ones. UMW: An epic race in a mystical place. CREW: Swim Escort: Veronique Poli Land Crew: Olga Hernadez (Team Captain), Anton Van Zeyl, Carol Breunig |
