A new course record set at the World Championships and more buzz about Garmin products in Kona, Hi

On a sunny day in Hawaii you'd expect to see locals surfing, tourists soaking up the sun and swimming with sea turtles, however, this past weekend all eyes were on the world's most dedicated triathletes competing in Kona. Forerunners were seen on a large percentage of the top pro-athletes and covered the wrists of amateurs vying to enter into a special club by finishing this epic race.

The men's title of this year's world championships was given to Australia's Craig Alexander after he broke the previous course record that had stood for 15 years, his third victory at this amazing event. On the women's side, Britain's Chrissie Wellington was crowned champion, her fourth such achievement. On the 26.2 mile run course was the official Garmin watch party, where spectators could be found banging Garmin thunder sticks, wearing Garmin branded visors, dancing to the upbeat music from speakers provided by Bike Works, and high-fiving participants as they ran by the 11 and the 24 mile markers. "This was a special day. To know and understand all the work that these triathletes put into preparing for this race is simply mind boggling", said Garmin spokesman Justin McCarthy. "Yelling out words of encouragement and giving high fives for about 10 hours just seemed like the right thing to do. It really hit home to see all the Garmin products that these athletes rely on, helped them get to Kona and ultimately the finish line."

As a company we are all about encouraging happy and healthy lifestyles through the use of our products, no matter who you are or where you are from. This event showed us just that! There were people from all over the world speaking many different languages. There were short athletes, tall athletes and body types of all kinds- everyone was able to put differences aside- and have a common goal.

"This race is more than just an athletic event. It is a way of life, an ever lasting stamp of accomplishment," said Stan Brajer, Director of Sales and Marketing for Garmin's Fitness division. "I found myself standing by the finish line at around 10 pm handing out Garmin T-shirts to athletes walking by wearing  Garmin Forerunners and giving them a big thank you for being a part of the Garmin Team. I looked up at the video screen only to see an athlete crossing the finish line almost 13 hours after they had begun. This athlete was a triple amputee and completed this gruelling event with two prosthetic legs and one arm," continued Brajer. "We often hear how our products change people's lives and are thanked for being a part of their lives. Well after seeing that young man cross the line with his Garmin Forerunner 405, I am even more honored to be a part of the Garmin Team."

To all of you using our products, no matter what the purpose, thank you for being a part of our team and passing along the word that happy and healthy lifestyles make the world go 'round. 

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