Media
For Immediate Release: June 25, 2007
Contact: pr@phillytri.com or 609.304.3206
CRAIG ALEXANDER AND REBECCAH WASSNER
WIN PHILADELPHIA INSURANCE TRIATHLON
PHILADELPHIA, Pa June 25 - Australian triathlete Craig Alexander and Rebeccah Wassner of New York, NY thrilled Philadelphia triathlon fans by capturing the men's and women's titles at the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon on Sunday June 24. Sunday's Olympic-distance race capped off a weekend of multisport events including a Sprint-distance triathlon, Kids Fun Run and Duathlon on Saturday. There were more than 3,500 registrants for the events, and an estimated 7,000 spectators.
Alexander's time of 1:52:18 set a new course record for the event. After finishing ninth in the swim, Alexander's strong bike leg put him in the lead, which he was able to hold throughout the run. Doug Friman finished second in 1:53:32, with 2006 winner David Thomspon finishing in third, 20 seconds behind Friman. “The course, the weather and the race volunteers all added up to provide a great experience here in Philadelphia", said Alexander. Eric Limkemann and Matt Chrabot finished in fourth and fifth respectively.
Among the pro women, local favorite Laurie Hug was first out of the water, followed by Wassner and defending 2006 champion Leanda Cave. A strong bike performance gave Cave a fifteen second lead going into the run, but Wassner's 35:32 run gave her the edge over Cave, who finished in second place. Wassner's 2:01:12 was also a new course record. Pip Taylor, Karen Smyers and Dede Griesbauer rounded out the top five in the women's division.
On Saturday, Brian Duffy of West Chester, PA and Katherine Dickerson, also of West Chester won the men’s and women’s divisions of the Sprint distance event. There was also a Kids Fun Run and Duathlon held on Saturday after the Sprint race.
“The combination of a very strong pro field, competitive amateurs, near perfect weather conditions and strong crowd support combined to make this another great weekend of triathlon here in Philadelphia” said race director Lars Beck. “We’ve already received a lot of very positive feedback from our race participants, pros and amateurs alike. That strong support has helped us to grow the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon into one of the largest, most popular races in the country.”
For complete results and more information about the race, visit the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon Web site at PhillyTri.com.
Men's Results
Craig Alexander 1:52:18
Doug Friman 1:53:32
David Thompson 1:53:52
Eric Limkemann 1:55:53
Matt Chrabot 1:56:13
John Kenny 1:56:17
Andrew Yoder 1:56:34
Dan MacKenzie 1:57:07
Will Green 1:57:51
Chriss Bagg 1:58:46
Women's Results
1. Rebeccah Wassner 2:01:12
2. Leanda Cave 2:04:26
3. Pip Taylor 2:06:31
4. Karen Smyers 2:08:25
5. Dede Griesbauer 2:10:19
6. Kate Ripple-Cramer 2:11:50
7. Laurie Hug 2:13:44
8. Kim Webster 2:13:55
9. Jillian Petersen 2:14:43
10. Megan Knepper 2:18:52
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About the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon
The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon was founded in 2005 and is one of the largest triathlons in the country and is held in the city's historic Fairmount Park, in and around the Schuylkill River and the Art Museum. The race will raise an estimated $1 million for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Oncology department and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society through its Team In Training program. In addition to Philadelphia Insurance Companies sponsors to-date include Nathan Human Propulsion Laboratories, Cadence Cycling & Multisport Centers, United Healthcare, Endless Pools, Excel Physical Therapy, Boundless Philadelphia, Penguin Sport Wash, Sorbothane Insoles, Philadelphia Inquirer, Triathlete Magazine, REI, Gatorade Endurance, GU Sports, Wissahickon Mountain Spring Water, Zoot Sports, Le Bus, Healthplex Sports Institute, Triumph, Manayunk, Great Harvest Bread Company, Chestnut Hill Academy and Cohen Partners. More information about the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon can be found by visiting www.PhillyTri.com or by contacting pr@phillytri.com.
