Excitement burst through Penticton's Jeff Symonds as he threw a fist pump as Challenge Penticton's first finisher.
Symonds overcame cuts and bruises to his arms and hip to pocket $12,000 for winning the triathlon that takes athletes through a 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-km bike and 42.2-km run on Sunday. Symonds was greeted by girlfriend Sophia Chadwick after clocking in at 8:29:57. Despite crashing on his bike, Symonds was determined to win his hometown race. He eventually was taken to hospital and returned in the evening to show support to other finishers.
In second was American Scott DeFilippis at 8:44:48, while New Zealand's Jamie Whyte was third with a time of 8:56:08.
Australia's Carrie Lester is the woman's winner after crossing the finish line in 9:27:26. Canadian Karen Thibodeau of Camrose, Alta., was second finishing in 9:41:42, while Penticton's Jen Annett was third coming in at 9:58:23.
