Thousands Participate In 40th Annual Eppie's Great Race
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The overall Ironman winner of Sacramento's Eppie's Great Race is a man who was rushed to the hospital earlier this week after getting hit by a minivan while on a run.
Vic Vicari showed us his banged-up body. He decided to run the race anyway – and won. This was Vic 7th straight win, but says it's his last.
Vicari goes out on top on a special fortieth anniversary of the race, known as the world's oldest triathlon.
Some competitors found the race a little easier than others. Dotti Parker, a mother of a one-year-old, says she didn't exactly train for the race.
""I haven't rode a bike for two years," said Dotti, who was going to compete in the cycling portion.
Runner Julia Freeman said she was excited to be one of the 2,000 athletes who competed.
It's really exciting and it's fun being a team working together. I enjoy it every year," she said.
The 5.82-mile run, 12.5-mile bike ride and 6.35-mile kayak paddle winds through Rancho Cordova and Sacramento.
Temperatures soared early on in the day.
"The temps – six to eight degrees hotter than the past week -- are nothing out of the ordinary," said Kyle Tsuye, a physical therapist.
Freeman came prepared.
"I brought my little water bottle."
Experts say hydration is key to preventing heat related illness.
As for Dotti, her goal is just to finish.
"I'm going to fall to the ground," she said.
The race has raised more than $1 million over the years for Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services, a program that provides recreational activities for people with disabilities.
