Saanich-based pro triathlete Sara Gross was the top women’s finisher at the Brazil Ironman in Florianopolis on Sunday (May 25). Gross completed the 3.9-km swim in 55 minutes and 41 seconds, biked 180 km in 4:49:42 and ran the marathon in 3:06:12 for a total time of 8:56:35.
Completing an Ironman under nine hours is a crowning achievement for Gross, who won the 2011 Subaru Victoria Triathlon at Elk Lake.
Making it even more impressive is that Gross had completed the Texas Ironman one week earlier on May 17, coming in 18th in the women’s category, with a time just over 10 hours.
Gross has a history of strong finishes in Florianopolis. In 2012 she placed fourth, and in 2013 she placed second. Gross was the 22nd overall finisher at the 2012 Ironman World Championships.
reporter@saanichnews.com
