Press release:

Triathlete Judith Sentz of West Seattle, took first place in her division at the Ford Ironman Competition June 26 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, qualifying her for the World Championship Triathlon on Kona, Hawaii, in October 8.

Sentz placed first in the 2.4-mile swim competition; first in the 112-mile bike race, and first in the 26.2- mile run. The local runner has participated in several high profile competitions including the Seattle, and New York Marathons; several triathlons and Ironman Canada and Coeur d’Alene. She is a member of the USA World Championship Team. She now runs in the 60-64 age group.

To get to Kona, athletes must either be very lucky and get themselves a spot through the lottery, or very talented, and win themselves a qualifying spot at one of the qualifying events held around the world, which Sentz has done. Tens of thousands from around the world vie for the World Championships, only 1,800 succeed.