The waters of Lake Stevens are going to be unusually crowded Sunday morning.
Some 1,400 triathletes are scheduled to compete in the annual Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, which starts at 6:30 a.m. Sunday with a 1.2-mile out-and-back swim. It will be followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.
The number of competitors increased by about 100 from last year, race director Keats McGonigal said. The event includes divisions for professional and physically challenged athletes.
“For the professionals, this race provides points towards qualifying for the Ironman World Championships and Ironman 70.3 World Championships,” McGonigal said in an email.
The top five pro finishers collect cash prizes. First place is worth $3,000. The runner-up gets $2,000.
Age-group winners can qualify for the 70.3 World Championships, which are scheduled for Sept. 11 in Las Vegas.
Joe Gambles won last year’s race, but is not returning to defend his title, McGonigal said. The women’s champion, Melanie McQuaid, is expected to be back.
Results of the race will be posted at www.ironmanlakestevens.com.
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