Jul 26, 2004 — Perfect weather greeted nearly two thousand athletes yesterday in Lake Placid for the sixth annual Ironman competition. Britain's Simon Lessing and Australia's Kate Major won the race, setting new course records and beating some of the race's top veterans. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Jul 31, 2003 — Sunday's Lake Placid Ironman played out against a backdrop of windstorms and heavy rains. But the punishing weather may have actually cut the number of athletes injured during the 144-mile race. As Brian Mann reports, 14 people were transported to the hospital for ailments ranging from dehydration to a smashed elbow.  Go to full article

Jul 28, 2003 — Canadian Heather Fuhr won her fourth Lake Placid Ironman on Sunday. Last year's men's leader, Ryan Bolton from Colorado, lost to Kirill Litovtsenko, a newcomer from Estonia. The top finishers each claimed a $20,000 prize. Lake Placid's Jeff Hunt and Kim Loeffler from Essex Junction, Vermont, were the North Country's top finishers.

Brian Mann followed the race through a long day of pouring rain and booming winds. He sends this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Jul 24, 2003 — This week, North Country Public Radio is exploring outdoor recreation. It's a passion for many in the region, but also a major business - a cornerstone of the tourism economy from the Adirondacks to the Thousand Islands.
Many of the sports that are marketed to families and amateurs can be risky. This weekend, thousands of spectators will crowd Lake Placid for the fifth annual Ironman. The 140-mile race is a thrilling challenge, but often a third of those who compete need medical attention. Many wind up seriously ill or in the hospital.

Brian Mann's report on the Ironman first aired last fall. It has been updated for this week's broadcast.  Go to full article

Oct 21, 2002 — Over the weekend, three North Country athletes raced in Hawaii's 140-mile Ironman triathlon, the sport's world championship. 55 locals competed this summer in the Lake Placid Ironman. The sport's popularity continues to grow, attracting corporate sponsors and TV contracts. But some critics say more should be done to protect amateur athletes. As Brian Mann reports, a third of those who compete, wind up ill or in the hospital.  Go to full article

Jul 29, 2002 — Intense weather played a huge role in Sunday's Lake Placid Ironman. Top finishers Heather Fuhr and Ryan Bolton negotiated a slick bike course to win the event. As Brian Mann reports, the big obstacle for many racers was the muggy heat--and a powerful late-nite thunderstorm:

Locals Fare Well:

A total of fifty-five north country athletes competed in this year's Lake Placid Ironman. Jackie Hatherly, who moved to Lake Placid a year ago, took third place in the women's competition. Amy Farrell, from Ray Brook, finished fifth. The St. Lawrence graduate raced as an ironman pro for the first time. Nick Fitzsimmons, from Ausable Forks, finished in 29th place, with the region's top time--just under ten hours. Finally, Lake Placid's Charles Cowan won the 50-54 year old age group. Cowan--who's fifty--topped ninety other runners to finish in ten hours and seven minutes.  Go to full article