Blackwater Eagleman Set for an Exciting Day!

Blackwater Eagleman Set for an Exciting Day!

For many, the Eagleman Half Ironman is to triathlon what the Daytona 500 is to Nascar ... the first sign the season is really upon us. Gaylia Osterlund has a preview of Sunday's race.

The Eagleman started in Cambridge, Maryland in 1993 with just 125 registered athletes, but the race experienced its first growth spurt in 1997, the year it was designated as an official qualifying race for Kona.

“That was the first big jump in numbers,” says race director Robert “Vigo” Vigorito.  “I realized then I would have to constantly work to improve on the race to continue to see it grow.”

Vigorito isn't the only person who wants to see the event flourish. Groups from counties near and far will be on hand to volunteer for race weekend, and 50 families have graciously opened their homes to as many as 75 athletes for housing.

“The ambience with the volunteers is a deep sense of community,” Robert says. “We will most definitely have more volunteers than our athletes know what to do with!”

Take Sam and Noreen Hamner, who for three years have packed up pretty much everything shy of the kitchen sink so Natascha Badmann and her husband  Tony can move into their house for the two weeks leading up to the race. After an airport greeting and a trip to the grocery store, the Hamners leave Natascha and Tony at their lake front home located just 20 minutes from the race start! 

With an increase in the professional purse, Eagleman will sport a rather international flavor this year. Pro triathletes from Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and even the Ukraine are descending on Cambridge daily.

Badmann will be returning for the third time and is the favorite to defend her title. She was overheard telling the co-race director of her hopes to also break the half-Ironman world record this weekend!

“It is always a pleasure to take part in the Eagleman,” Natascha said by email. “Vigo is a friendly and obliging person who is concerned about all of his athletes.”

Looking to challenge Badmann for the win on Sunday are Mirinda Carfrae, fresh off her second place finish at the Florida Half Ironman, Desiree Ficker and Canada's Fiona Docherty.

Veteran Karen Smyers, who is often seen as the poster child for overcoming adversity, will also be at the starting line. Smyers is one of the world's most accomplished triathletes -- her resume includes three world championship titles, six consecutive years as the Professional National Champion and a gold medal at the 1995 Pan American Games!

Over on the men’s side, it is anyone’s guess as to who might cross the line first. With the likes of Bryan Rhodes, Luke Bell, Luke McKenzie and Andriy Yasterbov in the field, the only sure thing is that spectators will be guaranteed to see an exciting race.

At the end of the day, there will be $25,000, 30 Kona slots and 30 Ironman North America slots handed out to some very happy athletes.

No worries, Vigo, it’s very clear you are doing your job!