Local Athlete Competes in the Wisconsin Ironman
On September 13, 2009, WMAF board President Jim Soroka, age 62, will attempt his first full Ironman Triathlon. For those who don't know, this race consists of swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running a full marathon of 26.2 miles; for a total effort of 140.6 miles. In local terms, that would be like swimming half the distance of the lower Westside Rd, jumping on a bike and riding to Hampton Beach and then running one quarter of that distance back. Ouch!
In the past 12 months, Jim has completed 11 triathlons, of which he won his age group division 9 times. He has also completed five Half Ironman Triathlons (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run). Finishing this year's Ironman is a strong possibility. Can he get on the podium? On his first try it's probably not likely he'll place in the top slots, considering the quality of the national and international participants that will also be competing.
The White Mountain Aquatic Foundation is a New Hampshire non-profit organization dedicated to bringing a multi-purpose swimming pool facility to the communities of the Mount Washington Valley. The current hurdle our board faces is financing a feasibility study. The feasibility study will help to answer questions of need, design and location and is essential to allowing the WMAF to move forward with the project.
In any case, Jim thought a fun way to raise funds and help the WMAF fund that feasibility study would be to get pledges from local businesses, of a pre-determined dollar amount, for every mile of completion of his first Ironman. There even could be a bonus incentive if he reaches the top three in his age group.
Please help Jim and the WMAF build this incredible resource for the people of the Mount Washington Valley. Make a pledge today and your contribution will jumpstart this exciting project. A one-dollar-per-mile pledge results in $140.00 benefiting the WMAF. An additional bonus amount for a podium finish would be a generous addition to your donation.
