Race unforgettable for Woodhurst
Cycle: Derek Woodhurst competes in Ironman World Championships. Photo Submitted
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Updated: October 20, 2009 6:44 PM
Derek Woodhurst has lived a dream.
After putting in a phenomenal race in the Penticton Ironman on Aug. 29 that qualified him to compete against the best in the world, the Parkview/Malakwa Elementary principal has just returned from Kona, Hawaii where he competed Oct. 9 in the Ford Ironman World Championships.
One of his highlights was the atmosphere around Ali’i Drive, as athletes approach the finish line.
“Running the last kilometre along there with the crowd, the lights, the announcer, the music, the wind blowing in from the ocean – it was fabulous. A triathlete’s dream, really.”
Because Woodhurst had only six weeks to recover between the Penticton Ironman and the Hawaii event, he wasn’t able to match his 10 hour, 53 minute time in Penticton. Instead, he completed the Kona race – a 3.86 km swim, a 180.2 km bike and 42.2 km run – in 12 hours and 59 minutes. That put him 37th in his age group of 55 to 59.
“I’d love to do it again with 12 weeks between my races, but that’s definitely not in my plans.”
Instead, he plans to explore other athletic and non-athletic avenues.
“Just other commitments, other things to do. I had terrific support from my wife and my friends; I’m just going to change direction.”
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