It's been nearly
two years since I last covered a full endurance race. One triathlon I've always wanted to experience behind the lense, was the
Nautica New York City Triathlon. Afterall, it's in my backyard and it's NYC's other big endurance race. But I never had the chance to do so (I snapped a few photos of the run last year, but that doesn't really count; and was in upstate on the same day in 2007, filming twins
Carrie and Kellie at
Ironman Lake Placid). Until this year. The one difference with this race, is that I'd be photographing (not filming) the athletes. Here are some highlights from today...
My day started early, at 4:45 am. Hopped on a shuttle with athletes, which took us to the start.
This is a familiar scene for me. Spectators and triathletes before a swim start.
However, the start was different. Standing on a narrow dock, on the Hudson River, with several thousand triathletes -- of all ages and levels -- beginning the swim. What an experience.
The highlight for me was being able to witness ATHLETE
Artie start his race.
Look how relaxed he is before the swim (probably because it's his
third consecutive NYC Triathlon).
Other paratriathletes at the start.
Paratriathlete
Sarah Reinertsen.
Artie, getting ready to swim in the Hudson River (still smiling).
Artie starts his race with his
Achilles guide Mike right behind him.
In all of the marathons and triathlons I've covered, I have never seen the elite winners cross the finish (was naturally busy filming Jenny, Artie, Carrie and Kellie during those races). That was pretty neat to see for the first time today.
Australia's
Greg Bennett talks about winning his fourth NYC title with Fox 5 News.
NYC's own Rebeccah Wassner wins the women's title.
With her twin sister, Laurel (on the left), who came in sixth. Both are featured in the current Nike/LIVESTRONG "It's About You" campaign (check out their inspiring film
here).
A big thank you to Martta Kelly and John Korff. I had a blast.
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