Photos: Look Back On 2011 Ironman Arizona

Leanda Cave had a smile on her face after taking the win. Photo: Jason Wise

As the sun rises in Tempe, Ariz. swimmers embark on the first leg of their 140.6-mile journey through the desert. Photo By Jason Wise

Photo: Jason Wise

Photo: Jason Wise

Sean McArdle is thumbs up after making the loop on his first leg of the 112-mile bike ride as part of the Ford Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

Casey Alex ascends the Beeline Highway during his first loop on the 112-mile bike ride. Photo: Jason Wise

Jeff Hulting is hanging loose as he heads up the Beeline Highway during the Ford Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

The Sonoran Desert provides a beautiful background as Laura Hood cruises downhill. Photo by Jason Wise

Laura Hood shares some smiles with fellow riders along the Beeline Highway. The three-lap bike course can make for some crowded moments. Photo: Jason Wise

Douglas Fisher stays hydrated while in the Sonoran Desert. Photo: Jason Wise

Saguaro cacti make for a scenic backdrop, but with 112 miles to bike there was no time to take in the scenery. Photo: Jason Wise

Pamela Beckwith still smiling after all those miles. Photo: Jason Wise

Dan Quick as the "blue man" in his quest for Ironman glory. Photo: Jason Wise

Mary McGrory sporting the Arizona Ironman outfit contrasts nicely against the desert. Photo: Jason Wise

Photo: Jason Wise

"Hot corner" on Rio Solado parkway and Mill avenue is the place to be during the race. Photo: Jason Wise

The swim, bike and run of Ironman Arizona are among the most-spectator friendly in the entire sport. Photo: Jason Wise

Uli Bromme runs down Curry road. Photo: Jason Wise

The Blazeman roll has become a staple at triathlons around the world. Photo: Jason Wise

A short victory roll after Matthew Russell crosses the finish line. Photo by Jason Wise

Leanda Cave leaps with joy after finishing as the first women's professional in the Tempe Ironman. Photo by Jason Wise

The three-lap run course takes athletes in and out of the center of the action, giving spectators several opportunities to cheer the athletes on. Photo: Jason Wise

Crocs at an Ironman? Do not try this at home. Photo: Jason Wise

This trio of runners kept in stride with one another as they crossed the Mill Avenue Bridge to head toward the second half of the lap. Photo: Jason Wise

Some of the more than 2,600 athletes that entered Ironman Arizona take on Tempe's Town lake. Photo: Jason Wise

Eneko Llanos was first off of the bike. Photo: Jason Wise

Fraser Cartmell takes on a small incline as he cruises through the scenic streets of Tempe. Cartmell was sixth off of the bike, but struggled on the three-lap run course. Photo: Jason Wise

Christophe Bastie approaches the north shore of Tempe Town Lake during his run. Photo: Jason Wise

Eneko Llanos pumps his fists as he makes his way down the finish chute. Photo: Jason Wise

Eneko Llanos drops to his knees after winning Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

Eneko Llanos is embraced by his girlfriend, Ruth Brito, after taking the win and breaking eight hours at Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

Eneko Llanos is embraced by his girlfriend, Ruth Brito, after taking the win and breaking eight hours at Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

Eneko Llanos gives two thumbs up after taking the win. Photo: Jason Wise

Scott Neyedli crosses the finish line for 11th. Photo: Jason Wise

Despite being one of the best at the distance, Leanda Cave had never taken a win at Ironman... until Sunday. Photo: Jason Wise

Linsey Corbin holds up a cowboy hat in celebration of her second-place finish. Photo: Jason Wise

Purplepatch teammates and friends Linsey Corbin and Meredith Kessler celebrate their podium-worthy finishes at Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

Jeff Glasbrenner lost his leg when he was 8 years old, but that didn't stop him from competing at Ironman Arizona. Photo: Jason Wise

Eye in the sky as the athletes fly by. Photo: Jason Wise