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Encore Winner for Maytag Steelhead Race

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A radiation oncologist and Ironman tri-athlete working diligently to raise funds to improve the cancer care that he can provide at the University of Kentucky was first across the finish line in the Maytag Steelhead Ironman 70.3 Triathlon at Jean Klock Park Beach today, but his overall time of 4:19:15 left him seven slots away from the winner's circle this time — finishing 8th overall. Jonathan Feddock from Lexington, Kentucky called it a "hot day and a little windy on the bike," and tossed in "the roads were pretty rough, but I felt pretty good." This was his first entry in the Steelhead race, but he's no stranger, to the sport having raised more than $51,000 for cancer care by taking pledges for his performance. 

The best performance today, however, was reserved once again for Dan Stubleski, who defended his title by winning the Steelhead in the same manner as a year ago, finishing first in his age group and first overall with a time of 4:01:31, a couple of minutes slower than his winning time in 2015.  Stubelski is a contractor by trade, hailing from Washington, Michigan just north of Detroit. 

The first woman to cross the finish line was Christine Cross from Kailua, Hawaii, and she was almost immediately overcome by the heat of the day, collapsing into the arms of volunteers at the finish line after a triumphant, arms-raised punch across the tape. She was the first woman over the line, but 21st overall. She was also the first amateur woman and 13th overall to cross the line at the Oceanside, California Ironman earlier this year and last year was the first woman across the line in the Ironman Hawaii 70.3, the Honolulu Olympic Triathlon, and the Boca Hawaii Lanikai Triathlon, all hosted in her home state. 

A Chicago teacher, Jeremy Rielley finished second overall behind Stubleski with an overall time of 4:11:14, and Tweeted a short while later, "I can honestly say that I left it all out on the course today! Happy with an AG (age group) win and 2nd overall! The quest for a 4:10 continues…"  Earlier in the day he was amazed at the bath water conditions of Lake Michigan, Tweeting the message, "Is this the first time in history a Lake Michigan swim in non-westsuit? Hey, I'll take it!"

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A couple of weeks ago, Rielley won the Wauconda Sprint Olympic Triathlon, and took second place in the ET Lake Zurich Triathlon at Lake Zurich, Illinois on July 10th. He got married on June 10th, went off on his honeymoon and decided to enter the two Olympic races to get his training back on course for the Steelhead run, and coming up for the Chicago Triathlon at the end of the month. 

Another Illinois teacher, Scott Iott of Elgin finished less than a minute and half after Rielley, for a third place victory. Iott is also a Level 1 USAT certified triathlon coach for TrainingBible. He has many years of multi-sport experience across a variety of distances, and is a six time Kona Qualifier. 

A Denver school teacher, Molly Smith finished second among women in the Steelhead event, followed a couple of minutes later by Canadian engineer Diane Hankee from Lino Lakes, Minnesota. 

The repeat Steelhead champion, Dan Stubleski was named USAT Amateur Triathlete of the Year in 2013 and was also top amateur finisher at the Ironman World Championships at Kona, Hawaii a year later. 

The amazing turnout at Jean Klock Park appeared to be the largest crowd in the history of the event which has annually attracted more than 2500 participants and thousands of spectators who line the chutes delineating the foot race finish line from the transition area in the Jean Klock parking lot where the athletes transition from their bikes into running gear. 

Just beyond the transition gates and finish line, hundreds of people took advantage of the blue sky sunshine for quality beach time while friends, family members and others were slogging it out in the triathlon. Vendors offering everything from wet suits and bike parts to refreshments and on-site muscle massages dotted the landscape from the Jean Klock covered pavilion to the concession stand and beyond.  On the periphery of the triathlon grounds, parking was at an absolute premium with large lots all throughout the Edgewater District were packed with thousands of cars from spectators, athletes, their families and others. 

Women's Division Winner Christine Cross poses with Curt Cotner from Muskegon

Radiation Oncologist Jonathan Feddock from Lexington, Kentucky is first across the line…but finishes 8th overall in today's Maytag Steelhead Ironman 70.3 Triathlon at Jean Klock Beach

Bikes and other gear in the Steelhead transition area

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