Officials said Monday that an Ironman Wisconsin competitor who became unwell on Sunday during the bike leg of the challenging triathlon and later passed away in a hospital.
The athlete, whose name was withheld by Ironman Wisconsin, required medical treatment during the bike leg and passed away at a nearby hospital after being helped by a race staff member as well as an off-duty police officer, according to a statement published on Facebook by the organization.
The victim, a 51-year-old Madison, Wisconsin, resident who had “a medical event” in the community of Cross Plains, according to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office.
In a Facebook post, Ironman Wisconsin expressed gratitude to “event staff and first responders who rushed to provide the athlete with medical support.”
“We extend our sincere condolences to the athlete’s family and friends and will continue to be there for them as they navigate this extremely trying time,” Ironman Wisconsin added.
2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running made up the entire 140.6-mile Ironman race that took place on Sunday.
After being rescued from Lake Monona during the swim leg of the Ironman 70.3 Wisconsin triathlon, two racers perished in 2019. Half of the 140.6-mile Ironman that was run on Sunday was completed in that race.