2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 to Air June 13 on NBC

Tune in Sunday, June 13, as NBC showcases the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, Presented by Ford, from 4 to 5 p.m. EDT.
 
Shot on location on Nov. 14, 2009, in Clearwater, Fla., one of the world’s top beach destinations, the broadcast leads viewers on a fast-paced journey consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run.  Athletes completed a swim on the Harbor side of Clearwater Beach followed by a bike and run through Pinellas County.
 
Watch as Germany’s Michael Raelert and Great Britain’s Julie Dibens claim World Championship titles on a record-breaking day in Florida.  Raelert, who set a new record with his 3:34:04 finish, was victorious over a competitive men’s field consisting of professionals such as Olympian Matt Reed (USA), defending champion, Terenzo Bozzone (NZL), and Ironman 70.3 Champion, Richie Cunningham (AUS). Dibens, a top finisher at the event in recent years, became the first woman to finish an Ironman 70.3 event in less than four hours when she crossed the line in 3:59:33.

She dominated a strong group of contenders including 2008 70.3 World Champion, Joanna Zeiger (USA), 2008 and 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 second-place female, Mary Beth Ellis (USA), and 2009 Ironman 70.3 Boise winner, Magali Tisseyre (CAN).
 
In addition to the professional field, more than 1,300 athletes, ranging in age from 18 to 79 years old, crossed the finish line at the 2009 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  Athletes featured in the broadcast include:

• Acclaimed chef and author Rocco DiSpirito.

• Chad Soileau, a computer programmer who used to weigh 464 pounds. To date, he has lost 262 pounds and competes in triathlons to maintain his weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Soileau wore bib number 464 in recognition of his previous weight.

• Lucy Danziger, Editor-in-Chief of SELF magazine.

• Aaron Scheidies and Ryan Van Praet, two visually impaired athletes who competed with the help of a guide.

For more information on the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3, visit www.ironman.com.