SANTA CRUZ — A triathlete competing at Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz died during the swim portion of Sunday’s race.
The IRONMAN Group based out of Tampa, Florida, confirmed the athlete’s passing Tuesday morning with the following release:
“We are incredibly saddened to share that one of our race participants from the IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Cruz triathlon has passed away. During the swim portion of Sunday’s race, the athlete required and received medical assistance before being transported to a nearby hospital where they continued to receive treatment. 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. We thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will have no further comment.”
The 1.2-mile swim around Santa Cruz Wharf is the first leg of the Ironman 70.3 Santa Cruz. It’s followed by a 56-mile bike ride from Depot Park in Santa Cruz to Pigeon Point Lighthouse in Pescadero and back, and a 13.1-mile run from Depot Park to Natural Bridges State Park and back down to a finish on the sand of Cowell Beach.
A total of 2,711 athletes competed in Sunday’s race.