2009 Entrant Bios

2009 ULTRAMAN  ENTRANTS

as of 11/25/09

Riccardo_Alessi06

Name: Riccardo Alessi

Age on Race Day: 40 M

From: Valguarnera, Sicily, ITALY Occupation: Architect

Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:36:44.  2007 Ultraman World Championships; 2006 Ultraman World Championships relay Team Squarous. 2007 Gigathlon Switzerland,2006 RXT Ironterra-relay of 2 (11:10:36)

Entering UM because: I just want my turtle award back.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Ken Pool  & Nancy Collins       Land Crew:  Phil Makin, Emanuela Barbano


DarylAllen09

Name: Daryl Allen

Age on Race Day: 59 M

From: Bellevue Hill, New South Wales, AUSTRALIA Occupation: Retired

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:32:38.  2007 Ironman Australia, 2008 Cycled 3000km across Australia in 20 days, several half marathons.

Entering UM because: Just to see it wasn’t luck last time.

Support Crew: Paddler: Sherri Carney        Land Crew:  John Forsyth, John O’Connor, Robbie Patterson, Susy Plummer


AndrewsEllis091

Name: Ellis Andrews

Age on Race Day: 65 M

From: Penticton, BC, CANADA Occupation: Retired

Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman Canada Relay Team (swim/run)  2005 Ultraman Canada finish time 33:44:24. Ironman Canada, 2008 BC Interior Runner of the year, 2008 BC Age Group Runner of the Year, 7 marathons in past 2 years including Boston Marathon.

Entering UM because: I have been involved in Ultraman UMC & UMH every year since 2005 either as an athlete,crew member or UMC swim captain and believe Ultraman is the best event in the world for Ohana, Aloha,Kokua. For me it goes way beyond competing but has a deeper meaning of family,compassion for others,wanting everyone to finish and to be safe and was deeply touched when I received the Kokua award at UMC 2008. Ultraman IS Ohana meaning family and Aloha in Hawaiian language meaning affection,love,peace,compassion,mercy and Kokua meaning support,encouragement,empowerment. Susan my wife & I now have friends (family) all over the world thanks to Ultraman and a number of them are inspirations to us for their spirit and what they have overcome to get to this point in their lives to compete in this challenging event. Ultraman is a life journey and our love goes out to all those athletes that are competing this year and to those who have competed in the past and to the wonderful crews who look after us. Can’t wait to see you all in Kona.

Support Crew: Paddler:  Clark Willcox.    Land Support:  Susan Kain Andrews,  Sandra Kain Larsen.


Shanna_Armstrong06

Name: Shanna Armstrong

Age on Race Day: 35 F

From: Lubbock, TX, USA Occupation: Massage Therapist/Student

Recent Races: Seventh time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada Finish time 29:08:01.  Five time Ultraman World Championships Women’s Champion. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:25:03.  2008 Badwater Ultramarathon, 2008 Furnace Creek 508, 2006 RAAM Women’s champion, 2009 Swiss Gigathlon.

Entering UM because: Love the People–Can’t wait!

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Sarah Egan  Land Support:  Donna Kitrell, Johnny Phillips



Barstis_Toni109

Name: Toni Barstis

Age on Race Day: 43 F

From: Niles, MI, USA Occupation: College professor

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman Canada Women’s Champion–finish time 29:34:55.  2007 Ultraman World Championships participant; 2006 Ultraman Canada,

Entering UM because: As an asthmatic and cancer survivor, I never thought I would be able to participate let alone finish an Ultraman.  I’ve been fortunate enough to do both, finishing as the women’s champion of Ultraman Canada 2007.  Ultraman World Championships will be a great challenge for me.  I’ve spent the last two years engrossed in work and am taking a sabbatical to rejuvenate and relocate my focus and balance.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Jamie Pardeau          Land Crew:  Dave Barstis (husband), John Barstis (brother-in-law), Eli Barstis and Aviyah Barstis (kids)


BeersLaurie09

Name: Laurie Beers

Age on Race Day: 55 F

From: Kailua-Kona, HI, USA  Occupation: Beach Lifeguard

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 13:43:39.  7 Ironmans, 7 Alii Challenge Swims, 20+ years of marathon running, 23+ years of triathlon training and racing, possibly the oldest woman beach lifeguard in the state of Hawaii.  Crewed for Rob Van Geen in 2007.

Entering UM because: It is 3 days of pure treat doing what I love on this incredible island.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Linda Greentree           Land Crew:  Linda Greentree, Camille Beers


CalilPaulo09

Name: Paulo Calil

Age on Race Day: 37 M

From: Americana, Sao Paulo, BRAZIL  Occupation: Physician

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:33:34.  2007, 2008 Ultraman Canada

Entering UM because: ULTRAMAN IS MUCH MORE THAN A PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHALLENGE, IT IS A TRANSFORMING LIFETIME EXPERIENCE…
I WANNA FEEL IT AGAIN!

Support Crew:  Paddler: Kevin O’Connor         Land Crew:  Beth Cooper, Bridget Rankin

Name: Nino Cokan

Age on Race Day: 36 M

From: Celje, SLOVENIA Occupation: Event Organizer

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman Australia, 2008 Ironman World Championships, 2008 Ironman UK, 2008 Ironman South Africa, ABSA Cape Epic 9 day MTB Stage race in Africa, 20 time Ironman finisher.

Entering UM because: Going the distance, touching the limit of my body.  I love Triathlon!

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Shirley Revelle & Bernard Frank   Land Crew:  Dare Centrih, Roger & Karen Kloepping

ConnerWilliam09

Name: William Conner

Age on Race Day: 36 M

From: Tulsa, OK, USA  Occupation: Military–United States Marine Corps

Recent Races: First Time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman World Championships 13:25:38, 2007 USMC Marathon, 2006 Ironman Arizona,  5 deployments to Iraq (3 in a row; 5 out of 6 years)

Entering UM because: To Honor, To Remind, To Challenge.  Trying to raise money for the Semper Fi Fund. Visit www.active.com/donate/semperfifund09/UltramanTriathlon to donate.

Support Crew:  Paddler: Terry Neubert         Land Support:  Rex Vlcek, Bob Conner (brother)

Craveri_Juan09

Name: Juan Craveri

Age on Race Day: 41 M

From: Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA Occupation: Business Owner

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships finish time 27:50:16.  2007 Ironman Coeur D’Alene, 2007 Ironman Louisville, 2007 Ironman Wisconsin, 2008 Ironman New Zealand, 2008 Ironman China, 2008 Ironman Switzerland, 2008 Ironman Canada.  20 Ironman finishes in last 6 years

Entering UM because: More distance, Less people, Ultra-distance sports are a real challenge and I like to challenge myself.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Gina Torres   Land Support:  Chad & Elise Foster

DegazonSuzy09

Name: Suzanna Degazon

Age on Race Day: 45 F

From: Glendora, CA USA (representing Puerto Rico) Occupation: PADI IDC Scuba Instructor

Recent Races: Twelfth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 31:23:52.

Entering UM because: I really lovet this race, for what it stands for.  It is unique in that it has not lost its original challenging charm.  The Ultraman is much more than a race.  Ultraman will be an experience like no Ironman will ever give you. It will humble you and make you stronger, and it will be mentally challenging as well as physically demanding.  Visit www.suzydegazon.com to learn more.

Support Crew:  Paddler: Rafael Ramirez      Land Support:  Al Wiscovitch, Chuck Mather

DembeckJochen09

Name: Jochen Dembeck

Age on Race Day: 42 M

From: Cologne, GERMANY  Occupation: Logistician

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 1999 Ultraman World Championships finish time 24:59:09.

Entering UM because: I love the complete Big Island–during this race I have the chance to see a lot of it.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Lori Montgomery     Land Crew:  Judith Hartl (wife), Dick Fowler, Angelique Stevens

Dewald_Stephen

Name: Stephen Dewald

Age on Race Day: 41 M

From: Mililani, HI, USA  Occupation: Landscape Contractor

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 30:16:05.  2007-2009 HURT 100, 2007-2009 Miwok 100k.

Entering UM because: I would like to run the short course this year.  Would love to come back as this was a great event for me.  The ohana spirit definitely defines this race.

Support Crew:   Paddler:  Wendy Minor           Land Crew:  Gil & Cheryl Loomis, Jakob Dewald

FordMark091

Name: Mark Ford

Age on Race Day: 47 M

From: Carlsbad, CA, USA Occupation: Physical Education Teacher

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:43:44.  2008 Miwok 100K, 2008 Tahoe Rim 100 mile run, 2008 Ironman World Championships.

Entering UM because: Ultra is where you discover things physically, mentally, emotionally–that you can’t discover in other pursuits.  I finished Ultraman ’08.  I’d love to come back with knowledge developed from that experience.  This is a totally different triathlon experience–now that I know the drill, I feel more able to contribute to the ohana feel.

Support Crew:  Paddler: Monique Peacock  Land Support:  Tish Taylor, Michael Jacobs, Greg Hewitt

Foulk_Cory

Name: Cory Foulk

Age on Race Day: 50 M

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

Recent Races: Seventeenth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:26:09.  2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 16:34:35–on a Schwinn fixed gear bike, 2008, 2007 Ironman World Championships, 2007 Ironman Revisited, 2007 Ironman Nice.

Entering UM because: Grace: to experience the evolution of an elder triathlete in the first person, to act as a statesman of the sport, and to stray from the tendency to become a bleeding deacon working hard for a better past.  God help us all, this is the land of wingnuts defined.

Support Crew:  Paddler:                             Land Crew:  Lana Williams, Rick and Karen Rubio

Heaslett_Ann07

Name: Ann Heaslett

Age on Race Day: 45 F

From: Madison, WI, USA Occupation: Physician

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2007 Ultraman World Championships finish time 27:18:32.  2008 Ironman World Championships; 2007, 2008 Ironman Wisconsin, 2008, 2009 Mississippi 50 mile run, 2006-2008 Ice Age 50 Mile.

Entering UM because: I enjoy long distance sports because of the camraderie that develops between athletes participating, and in Ultraman, also because of the wonderful crew that you meet as you move along the course.  What great people!  I will also look forward to seeing Jane, Sheryl and her husband, and Virginia and Don Isbell and Juliet again.  You all treated us wonderfully when I participated in 2007.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Virginia Isbell, Tim Yanacheck  Land Crew:  Tim Yanacheck (husband), Julie Yanacheck, Andrea Yanacheck, Jason Dorgan

JoswigMarkus09 (2)

Name: Markus Joswig

Age on Race Day: 28 M

From: Baerweiler, NRW, GERMANY Occupation: Civil Engineer

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman Germany, 2009 24 hour swim, 2008 St. Croix 70.3, 2008 Austria 70.3

Entering UM because:  I like the challenge to explore my own physical and mental limits, to reach them and to go further. I like the ultra-distance community, which left a deep impression in my mind, when I was crewing for Shanna Armstrong in the alps

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Richard Everett    Land Support:  Nancy Westrom, Michael Zobel, Stephan Schmitt

Name: Peter Kotland

Age on Race Day: 37 M

From: Moore, SC, USA  Occupation: Pro Triathlete

Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 23:38:48.  Holds Ultraman World Championships run course record (5:33:57).  Six Ironman races.

Entering UM because: I am from Czech and we do not celebrate Thanksgiving.  I have nothing better to do on this weekend.  I like the race and I have several athletes who will be racing with me.  I am crazy–why else would I do this race?

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Cheryl Villegas                     Land Support: Dean Sinatra, Ryan Short

Kregar_Miro

Name: Miro Kregar

Age on Race Day: 47 M

From: Stahovica, SLOVENIA   Occupation: Electrificant

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 22:35:24.  2001, 2007 Ultraman World Championships.

Entering UM because: I love the heat on the lava fields.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Mark Crawford   Land Crew: Bogdan Hribar, Ales Gercar

LaskaKathy09

Name: Kathy Laska

Age on Race Day: 36 F

From: Millis, MA, USA    Occupation: Biotechnology Sales

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007-2009 Ironman Lake Placid.  2007 Ironman World Championships.  4 other half-Ironmans, 5 marathons including 2009 Boston (3:32).  Crewed for her father, Dave Wilson at 2001 Ultraman World Championships.

Entering UM because: I love a challenge!  The community of participants and volunteers possess an energry that can be duplicated no where else!  As a kid, teenager and young adult, I was always in the spectator section cheering my dad on.  I crewed for him at Ultraman in 2001.  I literally learned how to swim and ride a bike for these endurance races.   Prior to my conviction of becoming an Ironman, I would have drowned in 2 feet of water–now I am comfortable swimming miles and miles.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Manu Jewell      Land Crew:  Dave Wilson (dad), Janet Wilson (mom), Brian Laska (husband)

LeRouxMike09

Name: Mike Le Roux

Age on Race Day: 33 M

From: North Cairns, Queensland, AUSTRALIA  Occupation: Project Manager

Recent Races: First time Ultraman.  2008 Marathon Des Sables, 2008 North Face 100K, 2007, 2008 Kokoda Track Trail Run  (100K), 2006 Ironman World Championships (9:29).Entering UM because: For me it is about the journey of endurance and the associated lifestyle and mindset it takes to complete ultra-distance events.  It is about challenging my mind and physical ability. I have chosen this event because of it extreme nature and pinnacle position in  ultra-endurance racing.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Jan War   Land Support:  Kirsten Le Roux, Jan War

JasonLester1

Name: Jason Lester

Age on Race Day: 35 M

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

Recent Races: Fourth time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 30:48:25.   2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 12:25:04, 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 32:01:43.  2008 Ultraman Canada Relay (swim/run); Hilo UltraMarathon, Ironman World Championships, Ironman Arizona, Ironman Western Australia.  2009 ESPY winner for Best Male Athlete with a Disability.

Entering UM because: To inspire others to Never Stop!  Proud to be a part of the Ultraman Family.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Odie Sumi                             Land Support:  Derek & Trish Doyle

MaddalozzoMario09

Name: Mario Maddalozzo

Age on Race Day: 33 M

From: Curitiba, Parana, BRAZIL   Occupation: Consultant

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2007, 2008 Ironman Brazil, 2007 Age Group Champion of the Jasmine Ocean Swim National Championship. 5 marathons in past 4 years. 2005-2007 corrida da Serra da Graciosa half-marathon (totally uphill)

Entering UM because: I first started at endurance sports to set a good example to the younger generations of my family.  I wanted them to grow free from self-doubt, to know that most limits are self-imposed and that chasing their dreams should never be a dream.  I feel the mystique around this race and its athletes should be ever revered.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Regan Steelman &  Almir Brandalize    Land Crew:  Jesse Ariola Jr., Almir Brandalize, Elisabeth Schultz Maddalozzo, Tiara Corradi, Luciana Brandalize, Thais Sampai da Silva

sean_mcfadden06

Name: Sean McFadden

Age on Race Day: 29 M

From: Blackrock, Dublin, IRELAND  Occupation: Entrepreneur

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2006 Ultraman World Championships finish time 34:34:56.  2008 Ironman South Africa, Goofy Challenge, Coastal Challenge.

Entering UM because: I love the challenge and seeing if my body can manage what my brain wants.  Plus the 2006 Ultraman was one of the best events I’ve ever done.  I’ve published a Children’s novel, set up my own business and held 2 Irish waterski records.

Support Crew:  Paddler: Dona Martinson & Dyan Anders  Land Support: Rob Van Geen, Petra Medgyesi

MillerSheena092

Name: Sheena Miller

Age on Race Day: 26 F

From: Penticton, BC, CANADA  Occupation: Parks Canada Fire Warden/High School Teacher

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman Canada Women’s Champion (finish time 30:49:20).  2009 Ironman Canada, numerous half-Ironmans, eco-challenges, adventure races, varous ski races ranging from 10km – 300km.  Top Firefighter fitness awards, outdoor adventurer–will be rowing from Vancouver to Alaska in 2011.

Entering UM because: There is no other event like Ultraman.  I participate in Ultra Endurance events to push myself, keep my body fit and be surrounded by incredibly motivated people pushing the limits.  I want to be a part of Ultraman Hawaii because it’s inspiring to race in Hawaii, home of triathlon and experience the culture.  I can’t wait to come to race in Hawii.  This is a huge dream and goal of mine.

Support Crew:  Paddler: Scott Von Nordheim                Land Crew:  Greg Miller, Steve & Maria Brown

Mueller_Peter07

Name: Peter Mueller

Age on Race Day: 47 M

From: Kloten, SWITZERLAND   Occupation: Flight Attendant

Recent Races: Fifth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:05:05.  2005 Furnace Creek 508, 2008 Alpenbrevet Cycling Adventure (172Km/5294 m elevation change), 1999 Marathon Des Sables, 5 times Ironman World Championships, 3 time Badwater Ultraman (3rd place in 2002).

Entering UM because: “Living without focus is only exisiting”.  The combination of beautiful island, sealife, friendship and PowerBars!

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Leslie Crawford            Land Support:  Marcel Anner, Katharina Torreiter

OldmeadowRip_092

Name: Rip Oldmeadow

Age on Race Day: 40 M

From: Kailua-Kona, HI  USA  Occupation: Full time triathlete in ’09/ Realtor

Recent Races: First time Ultraman.  2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 9:57:25,  2009 Ironman Coeuer D’Alene, 2009 Brusselton 70.3, 2009 Hawaii Honu 70.3.

Entering UM because: in 2001 I was hit by a passing RV while training on my bike in Colorado.  My sponsor and career ended 2 years later.  I never got to finish what I started.  Now, I’m 30 years old, I would like to complete the Dream I began in 1997.  I have crewed at Ultraman the past 2years.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Bo Pardeau                       Land Support:  Darwin Holt, John Callos

georgio_alessi06

Name: Giorgio Alessi

Age on Race Day: 44 M

From: Valguarenera, Sicily, ITALY  Occupation: Physical Education Teacher

Recent Races:Seventh time Ultraman. 2009 Ultraman Canada finish time 30:05:04.  Just finished Deca Iron (10 Ironmans in 10 days)  in Monterrey, Mexico.

Entering UM because:

Support Crew:  Paddler: Ken Boche            Land Crew:  Serena Alessi, David Ong

patrick

Name: Jamie Patrick

Age on Race Day: 39 M

From: Lafayette, CA, USA  Occupation: Business Owner

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2003 Ultraman World Championships finish time 29:41:57.  2005 Triple Ironman, Swam English Channel in 1996, has won3 Ironman Swims, Ultraman 2003 swim and Triple Ironman swim.

Entering UM because: I do ultra distance sports for the sense of accomplishment and health.  I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world.

Support Crew:  Paddler:                              Land Crew:  Keith Metzger, Greg Larson, Matt Richardson, Jim Patrick

Patzina_Roland09

Name: Roland Patzina
Age on Race Day: 43 M

From: Kempten, Bavaria, GERMANY   Occupation: Truckdriver

Recent Races: Five time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 30:17:39.  2004, 2006-2007 Ultraman World Championships; 7 triple Ironman, 5 double Ironman, Lanzarote Ultratriathlon, Will be participating in DecaTriathlon in Great Britian, June 2010.

Entering UM because: Ultraman and the people of Hawaii are my family.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Jan Kuivenhoven  Land Support:  Paul Aguirre, Tristan Humble

RibeiroAlexandreKids09

Name: Alexandre Ribeiro

Age on Race Day: 44M

From: Rio De Janeiro, BRAZIL  Occupation: CoachRecent

Races: Fifth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships Men’s Champion (finish time 21:49:38).  2003, 2005, 2007 Ultraman World Championships.Entering UM because: Ultraman is my main athletic goal.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Mark Wormley   Land Support:  Jose Carlos Poinciano, Kailani, Kaipo & Maile Ribeiro

Roll_Richard

Name: Richard Roll

Age on Race Day: 43 M

From: Calabasas, CA, USA  Occupation: Attorney

Recent Races: Second time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:33:42.  2007-2009 Mulholland Challenge cycling event (109 mile ww 13,000 ft of climbing).  2009 Wildflower and Bulldog 50k run.

Entering UM because: I love the lifestyle, the people and the platform to inspire others.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Mike Field                Land Support:  Julie Piatt, Tyler & Trapper Piatt, Alan BlackburnRouseKim09

Name: Kimmie Rouse

Age on Race Day: 54 F

From: San Diego, CA, USA   Occupation: Flight Attendant/Realtor

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2009 Ironman World Championships finish time 11:25:38 (5th in age group), 2005-2008 Ironman World Championships with 2 podium finishes.  Marathon PR of 2:42:05 at 1988 Olympic trials, masters record at 50k Cuyamaca trail run (5:37), numerous half-ironmans and marathons.

Entering UM because: I have crewed for my husband, Mike, for the last 4 years.  Last year said I might do it one day if he didn’t.  Gary Wang says I can do it.  My ohana family and support are so great.  I believe in myself.  I live  for sport and keep stretching my endurance boundaries.  Ultraman is the next step for me.  I have been close to it for 4 years.  I expect a lot from myself.  “To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” –Steve Prefontaine

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Stacy Spillman     Land Crew:  Mike Rouse, Jennifer Nanista, Nancy Morris

Gary-Wang

Name: Gary Wang

Age on Race Day: 42 M

From: Corte Madera, CA, USA   Occupation: Engineer

Recent Races: Ninth time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 26:41:52.  2001-2007 Ultraman World Championships; 11 times Western States 100 finisher.  Several time crew member at Ultraman Canada.

Entering UM because: Aloha, Kokua, Ohana!

Support Crew:  Paddler:   Jackie Hoffman            Land Support:  Suzanne Shriner, Jacque Wikum

WinkelmannUlli09

Name: Ulli Winkelmann

Age on Race Day: 52 M

From: Sprockhoevel, GERMANY  Occupation: Teacher

Recent Races:  Fifteen time Ultraman. 2004 Ultraman World Championships finish time 28:13:49.  1994-1995  Ultraman Canada.

Entering UM because: Meeting the family.

Support Crew: Paddler: Jennifer McDaniel  Land Crew:  Robert & Miriam Stadthagen

LaskaKathy09

Name: Kathy Winkler

Age on Race Day: 43 F

From: Mill Valley, CA, USA  Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. Multiple Ironman World Championships.  North Face 50 North American Championship in San Francisco.

Entering UM because: Ultraman seems to be an event that is more concerned about the participants than promoting itself.  I was looking for an event that has less hype and more of a love of endurance racing.  I am thinking there is a lot less ego involved with more of a community/family feeling, and less of a competition to beat others.  I know some of the best endurance athletes in the world are there, and it would be an honor to share the elements with them for a few days.

Support Crew:  Paddler:  Peter McIntosh, Franklin Marcus  Land Crew:  Duane & Dorette Franks, Peter McIntosh.

ZgraggenTrix09

Name: Trix Zgraggen

Age on Race Day: 43 F

From: Aldort, SWITZERLAND   Occupation:  Homemaker

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2002 Ironman World Championships, Ironman Switzerland, Ironman Austria.  Mountaine Tri, Ironman 70.3, Five times Gigathlon (2 times First place overall), 2005 Inferno.

Entering UM because:  I like it and it will be a new experience of Hawaii.

Support Crew:  Paddler: Karen Hand  Land Support:  Toni Zgraggen, Ueli Gisler, Ruth Li Weingartner

RELAY TEAM:

TEAM NIGHT TRAIN

Bialla_VitoNBen_07[1]

Swimmer: Vito Bialla

Age on Race Day: 61 M

From: Tiburon, CA, USA  Occupation: CEO

Recent Races: Eight time Ultraman. 2008 Ultraman World Championships finish time 33:27:35. 1996-2000,  2007 Ultraman World Championships; 2008 Badwater Ultramarathon, 2008 English Channel Relay Swim winner.

Entering UM because: It has always been a family affair–Vito, Linda & Ben as crew and Matt is family.  Have fun.

BiallaLinda09

Cyclist: Linda Bialla

Age on Race Day: 46 F

From: Tiburon, CA, USA   Occupation: Vineyard owner

Recent Races: Third time Ultraman. 1999 Ultraman World Championships Women’s Champion .  2009 Race Across the West 2-person relay team.  2 times San Francisco to Santa Barbara Coast Ride, 2 times Knoxville Double Century and the Davis Double.  3 times Western States 100, 30 + Ultradistance running events.

Entering UM because: I enjoy challenging myself physically and emotionally and love maintaining friendships with the other athletes who do this event.  I love the beauty of the Big Island and the people who live there.  I would love the opportunity to race on the Big Island again and spend some quality time with the Red Road.

Runner: Matthew Davie

Age on Race Day: 28 M

From: San Francisco, CA, USA   Occupation: CEO

Recent Races: First time Ultraman. 2008 Ironman Arizona, 12 Half Ironman races, English Channel Swim Relay winner, Hood-to-Coast 200 mile running relay.  NCAA All-American swimmer.  Open Water National Champion.

Entering UM because: I love the sense of testing your body’s limits, training is a blast and this is a family with Vito, Linda, & Ben.

Support Crew:  Ben Bialla