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HURRICANE — A person died while competing at the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship St. George on Saturday.
Ironman officials who announced the death said the athlete was showing signs of distress during the swim portion of the race at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane. Swim safety personnel gave the athlete immediate medical attention, they said.
The competition is a half-Ironman triathlon, which included a 1.2-mile swim on a one-loop course in Sand Hollow Reservoir. The water was expected to be between 60 and 64 degrees Fahrenheit on average, according to the course description. The swim portion was the first event in the triathlon, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run
The individual's identity and further details about the incident were not immediately available.
"We share our greatest sympathies with the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time," Ironman officials said in a statement following the race's conclusion. "The well-being of our competitors is paramount, and we thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support."
