Canyon Lake Triathlon and Fitness Club members and their support crew pose for a group photo at the Ironman 70.3 in Morro Bay. Photo provided by Karin Cassidy.Seven Canyon Lake athletes participated in the Ironman 70.3 race on Saturday, May 20, in Morro Bay, California.
Having trained hundreds of hours and completing Sprint and Olympic practice races in April and May, the athletes were well prepared; however, the water temperature, which averages 53 to 58 degrees this time of year, presented a challenge for participants in the 1.2-mile swim course.
The swim was followed by a 56-mile bicycle ride up the coast to San Simeon and back and a 13.1-mile (half marathon) run.
Canyon Lake racers included Maria Kivrizis, Matt Kivrizis, Lainie Cooney, Mark Yegsigian, Carly Yegsigian, Glenn Anderson, David Berman, Karin Cassidy, and Megan Falcon.
Maria and Matt Kivrizis. Photo provided by Karin Cassidy.Competing in his first Ironman 70.3 race, Matt Kivrizis’ completed the course in six hours. His wife, club President Maria Kivrizis, has completed multiple full Ironman distances and was excited to train and race with husband in this event.
This was also the fire Ironman experience for Carly Yegsigian and Megan Falcon. Yegsigian was introduced to the sport by her dad, Mark Yegsigian, who also completed the course.
Falcon and Karin Cassidy competed in the relay division, with Falcon swimming and Cassidy biking and running. Logistical and emotional support was provided by Marie Solt and Matt and Robert Mora.
Following the race, the group celebrated with walks on the beach, a trip to wine country, food, and board games.
