Women’s first-place finisher Emma Alitz, of Washington, D.C., crosses the finish line to cheers of her many supporters.
The finish line of the 11th annual IRONMAN Maryland told a story of contrasts. Some athletes collapsed in the chute, their cramps finally getting the better of them, or hid their faces in emotion, while others glided through the finish with ease after 140.6 miles of swimming, cycling, and running.
Emma Alitz, a 26-year-old from Washington, D.C., was among the latter. After covering 2.4 miles in the Choptank River, 112 miles on the flat Dorchester County bike course, and a marathon through Cambridge’s downtown, she barely seemed winded as she crossed the tape in 9 hours, 23 minutes, and 33 seconds, the first female finisher among more than 1,000 participants.
“I didn’t expect to win; my goal was to finish and hopefully place,” Alitz said soon after finishing her first full-distance IRONMAN competition. “I’m going to feel this tomorrow. I cramp in every race, but this one held off until mile 22, so I’m feeling very fortunate.”
Alitz has been training seriously for three years, beginning with a coach in May of last year. She credited her support system for carrying her through. “This is a very special moment for me,” she said. “I have a lot of friends and family here. They were a great support crew. I’m just happy to be here, and that I made it to the finish line.”
A self-described weaker swimmer, she leaned on her strength in cycling to create separation. She admitted that jellyfish were a factor in the river, which she had braced for after swimming the course on Friday. “I definitely had some tingling on the face and neck while I was on the bike, but having swum on Friday, I knew what to expect.”
Gugelelomo Schaivoni, of Orange County, California, overcame sea nettles and and strong winds to a first-place finish at the 11th annual IRONMAN. He appreciated the cooling drizzle.
Men’s winner Gugelelomo Schaivoni, who finished in 8 hours, 26 minutes, and 46 seconds, also invoked the Bay’s infamous sea nettles when reviewing his race. “The swimming was tough because of the jellyfish and the current, and there was a good bit of wind during the bike leg,” he said.
Originally from Italy and now living in Orange County, California, Schaivoni, 36, said he welcomed the overcast skies and occasional drizzly rain to cool him down. “I’ve been training in 90-degree heat. Here it seems cold,” he said with a laugh.
Finishing soon after Schaivoni was Robert Budaj, from Slovakia. He praised Maryland’s course as a fast, clean challenge. “I like that it’s a flat course,” Budaj said. “In Europe, where I usually compete, there are lots of hills.”
Robert Budaj, from Slovakia, expresses himself while receiving his medal declaring him a true ironman from one of the 1,500 event volunteers.
Organizers reported that 1,273 athletes started the race this year, with participants from all 50 states and more than 30 countries. Maryland, along with nearby Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, accounted for the largest share of competitors.
Race director Brian Snow said planning the event is a year-round effort. Behind the scenes, Snow and his team manage a cadre of more than 1,500 volunteers to stage the event, with many working from before dawn until after dark, staffing aid stations, managing transitions, and cheering on the athletes to the finish.
“This year went well. There are a whole lot of pieces to put together to try to make the best show we can, make it a world-class event,” he said. “We had some challenges, including the weather, but overall I think it’s going to be a good success.”
Snow added that the course is welcoming to first-timers, something the race actively promotes through clinics and support. “This is a sporting event, so you always think of winning, but the vast majority of people are not here specifically to win. They are winning just by completing the course.”
Race Director Brian Snow passes out Maryland flags to spectators at the finish line.
Competitors have 22 hours to complete the full distance, with athletes starting just after dawn and some crossing the line near midnight. Last year, flooding tested contingency plans, but Snow said the team is ready for anything. “We don’t worry about anything, we just plan for it,” he said. Registration for next year’s event opens immediately.
Beyond the competitors, the race is woven into Mid-Shore life. Jackie Roberts of Dover, Delaware, said she returns each year because of the atmosphere. “I try to come every year. I just like the vibe. They’ve done a great job for years.”
Local businesses also embrace the economic boost from the event. Chris Rojas, owner of Taqueria Floritas in Cambridge, staked out a prime spot near the finish line for his Mexican food truck. “This is the same spot I had last year. The key is getting here early. Business has been good. This is a great event, and I am happy they have us.”
Chris Rojas, owner of Taqueria Floritas in Cambridge, got the pole position for vendor trucks near the finish.
Volunteers sustain the race as much as organizers. Roxana Robinson, in her seventh year helping out, said the experience remains fresh. “I love meeting people from all around the world,” she said.
For Cambridge, IRONMAN Maryland was once again more than a race, but a yearly tradition that brings the town together and showcases the Eastern Shore to the wide world of sports.
Roxana Robinson of Cambridge works the Pro Shop at the event. This is her seventh year as a volunteer.
A happy volunteer directs traffic and cheers on participants near the end of the 140-mile course.
Cam the black lab and his owners Eben and Jackie Roberts, of Dover, Delaware, enjoying the afternoon despite some rain.
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