Photo Gallery—Ironman St. George, Utah

2011 Ford Ironman St. George it is race day and everyone is ready to get going.

2011 Ford Ironman St. George Great crowds at the swim start and through out the course

Two age-group athletes are feeling the music as they move to the water! Photo: Paul Phillips

The day begins with a few moments of chaos.

Returning champ Heather Wurtele runs to get out on the bike course, trailing Jodie Swallow. Photo: Paul Phillips

2011 Ford Ironman St. George Returning Champ Michael Weiss shows frustration after suffering from back spasms on the swim.

2011 Ford Ironman St. George Maik Twelsiek and Ben Hoffman pound out the early hills on the first lap of the bike course.

Meredith Kessler enjoying a rare flat portion of the course. Photo: Paul Phillips

New pro Jeff Paul is dwarfed by the red rock cliffs. Photo: Paul Phillips

Christian Bader of Germany was strong today, but did not quite have enough. Photo: Paul Phillips

Jodie Swallow attracted lots of media attention, as one of the first pros out of the water and because of her strong ride. Photo: Paul Phillips

Ben Hoffman moving through the course. Photo: Paul Phillips

Maik Twelsiek is flying down Snow Canyon. Photo: Paul Phillips

Age group athletes were on loop one as the pros were on their way home. Photo: Paul Phillips

Karen Aydelott, age 65, not only is the oldest female triathlete in IM St. George, but is racing with a prosthetic leg after an accident several years ago. Karen a former Kona age group champion is hoping her 27th Ironman will mean a return Kona. Photo: Paul Phillips

The amazing, expansive views were not even seen by many of the athletes. Photo: Paul Phillips

The view down from 'the wall' as the riders will soon start their climb. Photo: Paul Phillips

Mathias Hecht, was second into T2. Photo: Paul Phillips

With a very strong swim and ride, Jodie Swallow blasted out of T2. Photo: Paul Phillips

Ben Hoffman was solid all day for 4th. Photo: Paul Phillips

Heather Wurtele on the run. Photo: Paul Phillips

Although ultimately ending in the medical tent, Meredith Kessler continued to push. Photo: Paul Phillips

Jodie Swallow on what looks to be a trail run, but was just before the run turnaround. Photo: Paul Phillips

The leaders of the age group athletes, like Jared Preston, followed the pros up and up and up into the red rocks. Photo: Paul Phillips

Age-group athletes go up and down the switchback near the turnaround of the bike course. Photo: Paul Phillips

Mathias Hecht comes in and acknowledges the crowd! Photo: Paul Phillips

Heather Wurtele repeats with a nearly 20 minute lead, burying the competition with her run. Photo: Paul Phillips

A very fitting mountain goat medal. Photo: Paul Phillips