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NBC will air an encore presentation of the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship this Saturday, July 25, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
The broadcast was taped on location in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on October 11, 2008, as the event celebrated its 30th anniversary. Nearly 1,700 of the world’s fittest athletes braved the harsh elements of Hawaii, including one of the highest record temperatures to date, while attempting to earn the title of “Ironman.” The broadcast leads viewers on a 140.6-mile journey through the lava fields, as athletes complete a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run in succession within the 17-hour timeframe.Â
Included in the broadcast is Australia’s Craig Alexander and returning champion, Chrissie Wellington, from Great Britain, who celebrated victorious finishes in 2008. Additionally, several inspirational athletes are profiled in their first Ironman quest, among them:
Jeff Conine – Conine had a successful 17-year major league baseball career as first baseman/outfielder, and he was a part of both Florida Marlins’ World Series Championship teams.
Ricky James – James, a former amateur motocross racer who suffered an accident while racing in 2005 and is now a paraplegic. Leading up to the 2008 event, James was trained by David Bailey, winner of the Hand Cycle division at the 2000 Ironman World Championship.
David Goggins – Goggins is a member of the NavySEALS, as well as an endurance athlete who has completed several ultramarathons. He raced to raise money in honor of 11 military personnel who were killed in Afghanistan in 2005 and has already raised nearly $300,000 for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
The 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship broadcast will air on NBC, on Saturday, December 19, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST.