The hot, humid weather made the Nautica NYC Triathlon—a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike portion, and then a 10K run—that much tougher yesterday. A dozen racers suffered heat exhaustion, including a British man who collapsed at 5.9 miles into the 6.2 mile final leg. The 31-year-old from London was taken to New York-Presbyterian Cornell Weill in critical condition; race director Bill Burke said, "He's going to be okay. His family is with him. According to his brother, he is doing better." more ›

While some of you have been enjoying a lazy Sunday morning, thousands of people spent their early morning starting the Nautica NYC Triathlon—a 1500 meter swim in the Hudson River followed by a 40KM bike race (in Manhattan and the Bronx), ending with a 10KM run in Central Park. Though the race was delayed by rain, there are already winners: Greg Bennett of Australia won the men's competition, with a time of 1:45:50 (swim: 12:34; bike: 58:37; run: 31:12), while Rebeccah Wassner of New York won the women's, with a time of 1:58:25 (swim: 13:40; bike: 1:06:01; run: 34:36). And in the ParaTriathlon competition, Aaron Scheidies won with a time of 2:02:15. Last year's competitors faced obstacles like jellyfish and the heat and humidity; the NYC Tri website says, "This year, the rain certainly slowed athletes’ final times, while the humidity made the race seem to last too long for some," but the participants were undeterred. One said, "Running through one of the best landmarks in the world… it was a privilege." more ›

The ME's office says an autopsy for the NYC Triathlon competitor, who died during the swimming portion of the race, was inconclusive and more tests will be conducted this week. Esteban Neira, from Buenos Aires, was a father of three and a friend described him as an amateur athlete to the NY Times. The Times also notes some witnesses "questioned why it took 15 minutes for him to be pulled from the water and placed in an ambulance," noting that the race's bicyclists and runners, as well as spectator barriers, were in the path. The event's organizers, though, say Neira received the best care once he was rescued. more ›

The death of a participant during the eighth annual NYC Triathlon cast a pall over the event and raised questions about the conditions. Competitors mentioned that jellyfish were stinging them during the first leg--the 0.93 swim in the Hudson River. One described them as "the size of salad plates" to the Daily News. However, the NY Times, referring to WebMD.com, reported, "Jellyfish stings often result in minor allergic reactions; in rare cases, they can cause difficulty breathing, coma or death." more ›

The NY Times reports that a 32-year-old man died during the NYC Triathlon. The man, an amateur competitor, was about three-quarters of the way done with the 0.93 mile swimming leg (which is before the 24.8 mile bike ride and 6.2 mile run) when he was pulled out of the Hudson River while unconscious. An autopsy will be conducted. The Times also mentioned that the heat and humidity--and stinging jellyfish--taxed the competitors. more ›