2008 Entrants

2008 Entrants List as of 11/18/08

Name: Josef Ajram

Age on Race Day: 30 M

From: Barcelona, SPAIN Occupation: Stockbroker

Recent Races: Second Time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 25:27:01, 2008 Marathon des Sables (24th place), 2007 Ironman Frankfurt (10:16); 2007 Ironman Korea; 2006 Ironman Western Australia (10:37:27); 2008, 2006 Marathon des Sables; 2006 Titan Desert (4 day cross country bike in Sahara Desert; 2006 Great Wall Marathon; 2006 Ironman Switzerland (10:59:56)

Entering UM because: I’m an enthusiast of the ultradistance races and the people who are involved in these kind of events.

Support Crew: Paddler: Bailey Foulk Land Crew: Carlos Marquez, Javier Salfero

 

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Name: Riccardo Alessi

Age on Race Day: 39 M

From: Valguarnera, Sicily, ITALY Occupation: Architect

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 33:26:19. 2006 Ultraman World Championships relay Team Squarous. 2007 Gigathlon Switzerland,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, and I enjoyed it so much. I liked the environment of other athletes and crews.

Support Crew: Paddler: Ken Pool & Nancy Collins Land Crew: Phil Makin, Serena Alessi

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Name: Shanna Armstrong

Age on Race Day: 33 F

From: Lubbock, Texas, USA Occupation: Massage Therapist

Recent Races: Fifth Time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Women’s Champion (26:43:24) 2008 Badwater (31:16:10), Race Across America Women’s Champion 2006, 13 Ironmans, Le Tour Ultime, Furnace Creek 508


Entering UM because: I love Ultraman!

Support Crew: Paddler: Brett McGinnis Land Crew: Donna Kittrell, Johnny Phillips & Sandy Tarply

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Name: Vito Bialla

Age on Race Day: 60 M

From: Tiburon, CA USA Occupation: CEO

Recent Races: 6th time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 31:40:09. 2007 Escape from Alcatraz. 2008 Badwater (41:48:35), 2007 Badwater entrant.

Entering UM because: “Love Ultraman.”

Support Crew: Paddler: Bo Pardeau
Land Crew: Linda Bialla, Ben Bialla, Grant Miller

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Name: Dan Bodden

Age on Race Day: 41 M

From: Aylesford, BOP, CANADA Occupation: Military

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2005 Ultraman World Championships, 2008 Ironman Canada, 5 times Ironman Canada.

Entering UM because: I want to see where my limits are, then go beyond. I love the toughness and camaraderie of this event. It’s like a family.

Support Crew: Paddler: Christopher Quirk

Land Crew: Christopher Quirk, JP Benoit, Nancy Bodden, Darcie Frederiksen

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Name: Bill Bradley

Age on Race Day: 48 M

From: Santa Rosa, California, USA Occupation: Business Development

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:32:48, Susitna 100 Mile Run in Alaska, 199 mile relay (ras as solo–Calistogat to Santa Cruz. RAAM 2 man bike relay for 3000 miles, Badwater 135 (130 degrees), Ultra Midwest 24 hour bike race–376 miles completed, Virginia Triple Ironman, 2007 Furnace Creek 508

Support Crew: Paddler: Jan Kuivenhoven
Land Crew: Dave Byers, Sammie Stanbro

 

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Name: Paulo Calil

Age on Race Day: 36 M

From: Americana, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL Occupation: Physician

Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008, 2007 Ultraman Canada. 7 times Ironman Brazil.

Entering UM because: I´d like to participate UMH 08 to celebrate life the way I love, in a place like no other, together my family and my so special friend Alex Luna.

Support Crew: Paddler: Jamie Pardeau

Land Crew: Claudia Calil, Andrea Kardos, Heather Flaherty

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Name: Carlos Conceicao

Age on Race Day: 44 M

From: Sao Jose Campos, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL Occupation: System Analyst

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman World Championship 12:01:22, 16 time Ironman. 2008 Ironman Brazil, 2 times Ironman World Championships.

Entering UM because: I love ultra-distance sports. I finished 14 Ironman and 2 Ironman World Championships. I want a new challenge.

Support Crew: Paddler: Linda Kaiser

Land Crew: Maria Bortolin, Emerson Gomes

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Name: Todd Crandell

Age on Race Day: 41 M

From: Sylvania, OH, USA Occupation: Executive Director of Racing for Recovery

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman China, 2007 Ironman Austria, 14 Ironmans, 30 half Ironmans, 5 marathons, several Olympic triathlons and half marathons.

Entering UM because: I do ultra-distance sports to improve myself not only physically but spiritually, mentally and emotionally as well. I have been giving a second chance at life after surviving a 13 year drug addiction and now I simply help others realize that “with sobriety, anything is possible”.

Support Crew: Paddler: Rob Van Geen

Land Crew: Scott Horns, Scott Sturgeon, Rob Van Geen

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Name: Suzy Degazon Age on Race Day: 44 F

From: Bouqueron, PUERTO RICO Occupation: Scuba Instructor

Recent Races: Eleventh time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 29:46:49, 2006 Triple Iron World Championships (51:59:00)

Entering UM because: Ultraman will be an experience like no Ironman will ever give you. It will humble you and make you stronger. It will be mentally challenging as well as physically demanding.

Support Crew: Paddler: Rafael Ramirez
Land Crew: Al Wiscovitch, Cheyenne Wiscovitch, Montana Wiscovitch, Marlene Wiscovitch

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Name: Stephen Dewald

Age on Race Day: 40 M

From: Mililani, HI, USA Occupation: Landscape Contractor

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2006 Ironman Florida, 2007 Hurt 100, 2007 Miwok 100K, 2008, 2007 Honu Triathlon, 2007 Western States 100.

Entering UM because: I like the feeling of seeing how far I can go. It is a great builder of self reliance as well as the great time spent with my training partners. I would like to do Ultraman to see how hard I can push over multiple days and do it at home in Hawaii.

Support Crew: Paddler: Wendy Minor   Land Crew: Lisa Dewald, Jakob Dewald, Andy Cole

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Name: Kelly Duhig

Age on Race Day: 40 M

From: Altona, North Melbourne, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Police Sergeant

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007 Ironman World Championships, 2007 Ironman New Zealand (5 times), 2006 Ironman Korea, Percy Cerutty Ultramarathon (55K), 2004 Ironman Germany, 2002 Ironman Australia, 2 times Melbourne Marathon Finisher (2004,2006)

Entering UM because: I am competing at Ultraman for the physical and mental challenge. More importantly I am raising funds for the Cure for Life Foundation. A good mate of mine is currently in recovery from surviving firstly a brain tumour, and subsequently testicular cancer.

I have a youtube link which explains more,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83THPRKEV54

and a webpage which is set up for fundraising;
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/Ultraman08

Support Crew: Paddler: Karen Hand

Land Crew: Karl Pavey, Bronwyn Baulch

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Name: Mark Ford

Age on Race Day: 46 M

From: Carlsbad, CA, USA Occupation: Teacher

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman World Championship 10:48:41, 2008 Ironman New Zealand, 8 time Ironman World Championships finisher (1995-2005) 4X 50K, PCT 50 mile, 2008 Miwok 100K.

Entering UM because: When confronted with all that can happen medically with the human body (brother-in-law with lymphoma on the brain), I choose to celebrate health and fortuitousness by participating in things physical – no matter when, though in Hawaii all the …..

Support Crew: Paddler: Monique Peacock

Land Crew: Tish Ford, Michael Jacobs

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Name: Cory Foulk

Age on Race Day: 49 M

From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Architect/ Environmental Scientist

Recent Races: 14th time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time (32:29:35), 2007 Ultraman Canada (28:59:17)-his fastest Ultraman to date!
Cory has officially finished Ultraman World Championships 10 times. 2008, 2007 & 2005 Ultraman Canada. 40+ Ironman Finishes, 230M stage run, 11:14 Triple Marathon, 11 time Alii Challenge 10K swim, 50+ Marathons, 50+ Ultramarathons

Entering UM because: After thirty years of triathlon, I have found there are two evolutions of the triathlete, the elder statesman, and the bleeding deacon. I strive to become the first, to age gracefully and grow with the sport.

Support Crew: Paddler: Gus Foulk

Land Crew: Lana Williams, Kathy McLerran

Sponsors: Smith and Nephew, BikeWorks

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Name: Duane Franks

Age on Race Day: 49 M

From: Greenbrae, CA, USA Occupation: Endurance Performance Coach

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007 Ironman Canada, Quadruple Dipsea, Mt. Tam Double Century, Ironman Coeur d’Alene, Vineman Ironman, Ironman Lake Placid, 6 x 480 California coastal rides in 3 days. Completed nearly 300 triathlons and 14 Ironmans in past 25 years. 1999 4-day Race Across California Envirosport (RACE)–220 miles of cycling, 40 miles of running and 25 miles of kayaking (first overall)

Entering UM because: After 27 years of training and racing IM, it’s time to step up to the distance. I enjoy the camaraderie of the ultra endurance community. It reminds me of earlier years and the Ironman triathlon pioneers.

Support Crew: Paddler: Dan Capshaw

Land Crew: Dorette Sommer, Rob Brewster, Beth Brewster

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Name: Scott Gower

Age on Race Day: 44 M

From: Atascadero, California, USA Occupation: Triathlon Specialty Store Owner

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 25:20:17. 2007 Ironman Arizona, 2006 Tahoe Rim Trail 100 Mile Ultra-run. 8 time Ironman and 2 time Ironman World Championships.

Entering UM because: Ultra-distance sports challenge me physically and mentally more than any other sports. This event encapsulates everything that is good and enduring about the sport of triathlon.

Support Crew: Paddler: Sherri Lasich

Land Crew: Ellis and Susan Andrews

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Name: Warren Hollinger

Age on Race Day: 43 M

From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Computer Programmer / Business Owner

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007,2008 Ironman World Championships.

Entering UM because: I have always wanted to circumnavigate the Big Island human powered and Ultra Distance is a new passion . So this event seemed to be a natural fit. And since the early nineties I’ve had an itch regarding this event. Looking forward to finally scratching it.

Support Crew: Paddler: Alex Gupton

Land Crew: Karen Hollinger, Alex Gupton, Tobias Olney
 
 
 

 

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Name: Darwin Holt

Age on Race Day: 46 M

From: Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA Occupation: High School Teacher

Recent Races: Second Time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman Canada Finish Time 28:59:21 (fourth place by four seconds!), 10 marathons, 6 time Ironman finisher. Goofy Challenge 2007, 2006 Ironman Couer D’Alene.

Entering UM because: I do ultradistance sports to experience the flow of mind, body, spirit. It is an honour to compete in the World Championship of Ultraman.

Support Crew: Paddler: April Fitzsimmons

Land Crew: Tom & Lois Holt, Brenda Holt

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Name: Leslie Holton

Age on Race Day: 40 M

From: Pine, CO, USA Occupation: Biomedical Engineer

Recent Races: 4th time Ultraman. 2004-2006 Ultraman World Championships participant. 2008 Double Ironman Levi’s Women’s Champion. 2007, 2006 24 Hours of Triathlon, Fireweed 400 (1st Female), 2007 Minnesota Border to Border (1at place 2 person mixed team, 18 Hours of Fruita-Solo, 2008,2007 Dirty Kanza 200. 2006 Ironman USA, 2005 Ironman Arizona.

Entering UM because: Every race I do, I learn more about myself and how to push a little harder to reach my goals. Ultraman is the monkey (okay, tattoo) on my shoulder that I need to officially finish.

Support Crew: Paddler: Drew Holton

Land Crew: Drew Holton, Marsha Hansen, Robin Lee

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Name: Peter Kotland

Age on Race Day: 36 M

From: Moore, SC USA Occupation: Pro Triathlete

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 1997 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion. Ultraman World Championship Run course record holder (5:33:57). 2008, 2007 Ironman Couer d’Alene, Ironman Louisville. 8 time Ironman Finisher. 2nd place 100km Ultra run. 4 time Vineman Champion, 10 times top ten Ironman finisher, 3 time marathon winner

Entering UM because: Love the challenge. You can learn a lot about yourself! Ultraman is one of my favorite races! I like the people who compete in it. Great way to see the whole island

Sponsors: I would like to thank my long term sponsors: Joe at Raymond James, Paul at Rudy Project, Jim at Beyond Fabrications, www.joetowson.com/new/joetowson/–without them I wouldn’t be here!

Support Crew: Paddler: Bill & Mary Brado Land Crew:  Brooks Keys, Dean Sinatra

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Name: Miro Kregar

Age on Race Day: 46 M

From: Stahovica, SLOVENIA Occupation: Electrificant

Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 24:45:26. 18 time Ironman finisher (pb: 8:52), Powerman Zofingen, Slovenian 24 hour bike record – 676 km. Finished Slovenian Mega triathlon – 5 days race around Slovenia. 2 times won Inkaman-Titicaca lake (higest triathlon in the world). 6 year member Slovenian national long distance triathlon team (got bronze medal in team select).

Entering UM because: I love Big Island, heat on lava field…

Support Crew: Paddler: Mark Crawford

Land Crew: Carey Lindenbaum, Jan War

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Name: Jason Lester

Age on Race Day: 34 M

From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA Occupation: Artist

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman World Championships 13:07:21, 2008 Ultramaman Canada Relay team (swim/run), 2008 Ironman Western Australia, 2008, 2007 Ironman Arizona. Crewed for Mike Rouse at 2007 Ultraman World Championships.

Entering UM because: I participate in Ultra-distance events to inspire others. I would like to participate in the 2008 Ultraman to inspire those seeking inspiration.

Support Crew: Paddler: Bree Wee Land Crew: Doug Leopold, Annette Crisanti

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Name: Gil Loomis

Age on Race Day: 58 M

From: Kailua, HI, USA Occupation: Civil Service

Recent Races: 4th time Ultraman. 1998,1999, 2004 Ultraman World Championships 2007 Ironman Kona, Miwok 100K

Entering UM because: Ultraman is the ultimate.

Support Crew: Paddler: Ronona Della Cioppa

Land Crew: Cheryl Loomis, Mauricio Puerto

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Name: Alberto “Beto” Lopes

Age on Race Day: 45 M

From: Salvador, Bahia, BRAZIL Occupation: Customs Broker

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008, 2007 Ironman Brazil Telecon, 2007 Ultra Triathlon “Goat of the Plague”

Entering UM because: In addition to sports, I have a project of triathlon for needy (low income) youngsters, and who live in areas of danger. I have to be the example for these young people so they do not go to the world of crime or drugs.

Support Crew: Paddler:  Ken Boche & Marcelo Affonso de Carvalho   Land Crew: Marcelo Affonso de Carvalho, Alberto Leão Dias, Ceres Leão Dias

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Name: Alexandre Luna Freire

Age on Race Day: 42 M

From: Icarai Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, BRAZIL Occupation: Telecomm Marketing Coordinator.

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman Brazil + 5 other Ironman Brazil finishes, 2004 Ironman New Zealand, 2005 Cabra de Peste. Crewed for Paulo Calil at 2007 Ultraman Canada.

Entering UM because: Since we raced our first Ironman in 2002, running the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii has been a dream for me and my dear friend, Paulo Calil. Now, it’s the time. Specially because I have my wife, mother, sister and brothers and friends support. Aloha!

Support Crew: Paddler: Kevin O’Connor & Takako “Noni”

Land Crew: Rodrigo Ferreira, Beth Cooper

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Name: Peter Mueller

Age on Race Day: 46 M

From: Kloten, SWITZERLAND Occupation: Flight Attendant

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 24:29:51. 3 time Badwater Ultramarathon-3rd place 2002. 2005 Furnace creek 508 Ultramarathon Bicycle Race, 5 times Ironman World Championships, 1999 Marathon des Sables. Peter holds the 2nd fastest Day 1 bike time.

Entering UM because: Racing ultras simply means “get to know yourself”…and is there another place on earth where dolphins can be your companions during the race?

Support Crew: Paddler: Leslie Crawford

Land Crew: Marcel Anner, Giorgio Alessi, Suzanna Testi

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Name: Tony O’Keeffe

Age on Race Day: 47 M

From: Kingston, CANADA Occupation: Canadian Military

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2002-2004 Ultraman World Championships. 2007 Ironman Canada, 2006 Race Across America-Solo, 2005 Ironman World Championships.

Entering UM because: I choose to compete at Ultra distance events because I enjoy hard work and the challenges to do my best.

Support Crew: Paddler: Mike Ward

Land Crew: Jackie Cowley, Mike Ward, Jill Ward

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Name: Roland Patzina

Age on Race Day: 42 M

From: Kempten, Bavaria, GERMANY Occupation: Truck Driver

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 29:50:11, 2005 Triple Ultra Triathlon Lensahn (53:13:00), 2004, 2003 Triple Ultra Triathlon, 15 times Ironman. Participants specialist on Decaironman (10x) June 2009 in France.

Entering UM because: I love Ultra-sports!

Support Crew: Paddler:  Paul Aguirre

Land Crew: Michael Lee & Sabine Patzina
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Name: Catherine Paulson

Age on Race Day: 41 F

From: Dallas, TX, USA Occupation: Corporate Attorney

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Hog’s Hunt 50K run, 2007 Ironman Wisconsin, 2007

Ironman Couer d’Alene, 2006 Ironman Arizona, 2005 Ironman Florida, 2005 Ironman USA, 2004 Ironman Canada

Entering UM because: I’m just getting into Ultra-distance sports. But, I’ve e-mailed and met Shanna Armstrong and she has really been an inspiration to me to push to get into Ultraman. I want to challenge my body and mind by seeing how long/far I can push it.

Entering UM because:

Support Crew: Paddlers: Todd Patterson & Kym McDaniel.

Land Crew: Cari Ossenfort, JP Ossenfort, Myrna Paulson & Harold Paulson.

 

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Name: Martin Raymond

Age on Race Day: 46 M

From: Cumberland, Ontario, CANADA Occupation: Fitness & Sports Instructor

Recent Races: Sixth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 29:15:48. Marty holds the 4th fastest swim time at Ultraman World Championships.

Entering UM because

Sponsors: Rebek & Kroes Cycle (www.rebecandkroes.com), Canci Homes (www.cancihomes.com), Auberge La Becassine (www.labecassine.com), Cumberland Coffee Club, Sutton Realtors (www.sutton.com/realtor/wjacques)

Support Crew: Paddler: Shawn Baker

Land Crew: Jane Dulaney, Shawn Baker

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Name: Alexandre Ribeiro

Age on Race Day: 43 M

From: Rio de Janeiro, RJ, BRAZIL Occupation: Athletic Coach

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 23:05:04. 2005, 2003 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion. 11 time Ironman World Championships.

Entering UM because

Support Crew: Paddler: Mark Wormley

Land Crew: Jose Carlos, Kaillani

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Name: Richard Roll

Age on Race Day: 42 M

From: Calabasas, CA, USA Occupation: Attorney; filmmaker

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007 Santa Barbara Long Distance Triathlon, 2008, 2007 Mulholland Challenge Century.

Entering UM because: “Ironman may have personality, but Ultraman has soul”…for me, this says it all. Ironman is a race, but Ultraman is a journey. This is what has captured my imagination. This is why I must participate in this event.

Support Crew: Paddler: Linda Greentree  Land Crew: Chris Uettwiller, LW Walman, Dave Roll

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Name: Mike Rouse

Age on Race Day: 56 M

From: San Diego, California, USA Occupation: Director of Sales-Zoot Sports

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 33:05:24, Finished 17 100 mile races & 38 50 mile races.

Entering UM because: Joy of the sport, the competition, and the chance to challenge myself to the max.

Support Crew: Paddler: Stacy Spillman

Land Crew: Kim Rouse, Suzanne Shriner, Jacque Wickum

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Name: Erik Seedhouse

Age on Race Day: 44 M

From: Milton, Ontario, CANADA Occupation: Aerospace Scientist

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 1996-1998 Ultraman World Championships. Erik was the 1996 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion. 2008 Ironman Couer d’Alene , 2008 Round the Bay 30K, 2007 New Balance Fall Classic Half Marathon, 2007 Victoria International Marathon.

Entering UM because: To once again be a part of the most demanding, most beautiful, and most satisfying ultraendurance race on the planet.

Sponsors: Canadian Forces Elite Athletes Fund, Canadian Forces Environmental Medicine Establishment, Leppin and Zoot.

Support Crew: Paddler: Richard Everett

Land Crew: Nancy Westrom, Rip Oldmeadow

 

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Name: Brian Smallwood

Age on Race Day: 53 M

From: Camarillo, CA, USA Occupation: Coach

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007 Ironman World Championships, 5.5 mile open water swim, double century, completion of 10 Ironman races with 3 Kona finishes (personal best 10:26), Boston Marathon qualifier and finisher, 508 2 man team course record holder, 12 years and 200 + races of multisport experience. Founder of Sero Performance, www.seroperformance.com.  HAPPILY married for 30 + years with a son and daughter who are fantastic young adults.

Entering UM because: To show what can be done with proper training and inspire others to try a healthier life style.

Support Crew: Paddler: Craig Willcox  Land Crew: Tom Barton,  Roger & Karen Kloepping

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Name: Gary Wang

Age on Race Day: 41 M

From: Corte Madera, California, USA Occupation: Engineer/Physicist

Recent Races: Eighth time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships Finish Time 25:50:14, 10 time Western States 100 finisher, various 50k, 50 mile and 100k ultra-runs. Gary holds the 4th fastest Day 1 bike time.

Entering UM because: For the Aloha. The importance of giving and receiving.

Support Crew: Paddler: George Abood

Land Crew: Jennifer Watt, Jackie Hoffman

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RELAY TEAMS

Name: Team Deux Chevaux

Swimmer/Runner: Bertrand Dor

Age on Race Day: 57 From: Mahwah, NJ, USA

From: Occupation: Perfumer

Recent Races: Third Time Ultraman–First time relay. 2006, 2005 Ultraman World Championships, 2008 Ironman Brazil, 2007 Ironman Canada. 25 time Ironman Finisher.

Entering UM because: to push myself mentally and physically; I am not fast, but can go very long. I have done the Ultraman twice and I don’t think there is a better race anywhere in the world–the scenery, ambiance and camraderie are second to none.

Support Crew: Paddler: Betsy Morrigan.

Land Crew: Martine Dor, Peter Thompson, Liz Thompson

Cyclist: Peter Thompson

Age on Race Day: 48 M

From: Clinton, Ontario, CANADA Occupation: Farmer

Recent Races: 2nd time Ultraman–First time relay. 2005 Ultraman World Championships. 2008 Run for Retina Research, 2008 Lakeside Triathlon, 2008 Goderich Triathlon, 2007 Esprit. 2006 crewed at UWC for sister, Liz Thompson. 2007 crewed at UWC for Giorgio Alessi.

Entering UM because: The Ultraman experience, whether participant, crew or volunteer has been amazing.

Land Crew: Martine Dor, Bertrand Dor, Liz Thompson

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Name: Team BMW

Day 1: Ryan McKenzie

Age on Race Day: 40

From: Surrey, BC, CANADA Occupation:

Recent Races: Fourth Time Ultraman–Second time relay. 2007, 2005 Ultraman World Championships, 2006 Ultraman Canada.

Entering UM because: I lived to 40, it’s a great way to spend time with my friends and I love Jane!

Support Crew: Paddler: Land Crew: Wayne Bohnke, Tania Whelan, Ron Clarke

Day 2: Wayne Bohnke

Age on Race Day: 44

From: Surrey, BC, CANADA Occupation: Self-Employed

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. Ironmand Canada1999-2001, 8 Marathons.

Entering UM because: Where else can yo get water up your nose, your saddle sore grows and 10 blisters on your toes. What a great way to spend the weekend. And to help Ryan repeat.

Land Crew: Ryan McKenzie, Tania Whelan, Ron Clarke

Day 3: Tania Whelan

Age on Race Day: 43

From: Surrey, BC, CANADA Occupation: Teacher

Recent Races: First Time Ultraman. 1st woman in Haney to Harrison 100km run (2007, 2006), 9 marathons including Boston, Kneeknacker 50km trail run.

Entering UM because: I love pain! Why Not?? Is there any other way around the island???

Land Crew: Wayne Bohnke, Ryan McKenzie, Ron Clarke

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Name: Team Indi N Phil

Swimmer: Catherine “Indi” Young

Age on Race Day: 43 F From: San Rafael, CA, USA

From: Occupation: Consultant

Recent Races: First Time Ultraman Relay. Swims over 11,000 yards each week, swam the Ultraman 10k swim leg in reverse direction “just for fun and to see if I could do it”, crewed several times for Gary Wang and for Phil in 2005.

Entering UM because: I do selective races for the social aspect.

Support Crew: Paddler: Jeff Yost

Land Support: Jeff Yost, Clare Connors

Cyclist/Runner: Philip Ramsey

Age on Race Day: 42 M

From: San Rafael, CA USA Occupation: Biotech Research Scientist

Recent Races: 2nd time Ultraman–First time relay. 2005 Ultraman World Championships finish time 30:11:32. Has completed six 100 mile ultramarathons (4x Western States finisher-one sub 24 hours), 4 double century bike rides.

Entering UM because: Ultra distance sports offer challenges, scenery and camaraderie that you cannot find in shorter distance events. I’m particulary fond of Ultraman World Championships for its beautiful, ever-changing scenery as the course progresses, the fact that we don’t do loops, but have a destination in mind, and most of all, the sense of family,”ohana”, that develops over the course of 3 days. This family grows to include the race volunteers, support crew as well as the other competitors. How can you beat that?

Land Support: Indi Young, Jeff Yost, Clare Connors

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