7/13/2007 Brad Petersen, ECE Illinois
ECE Professor Andrew Singer will compete in the Ironman Lake Placid on July 22, 2007, not just because he is a driven competitor, but because he wants to help fight cancer.
Written by Brad Petersen, ECE Illinois
ECE Professor Andrew Singer will compete in the Ironman Lake Placid on July 22, 2007, not just because he is a driven competitor, but because he wants to help fight cancer.
"A few weeks ago a very close friend was diagnosed with a strange form of cancer. I was floored," said Singer. "He had just moved to Germany with his wife and son. We have been colleagues and friends for the last nine years. In addition, another colleague’s wife was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I knew that I needed to do something for cancer research."
The Ironman triathlon is a grueling 140.6-mile journey consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a 26.4-mile run. In order to earn the coveted title of Ironman, participants must complete all components in less than 17 hours.
In conjunction with the Ironman Lake Placid Singer is participating in the Janus Charity Challenge, which helps Ironman athletes raise funds for the charity he or she is most passionate about. Singer has chosen the American Cancer Society. His goal is to raise at least $14,060 or $100 per mile of the 140.6 mile course.
While Singer has competed in a number of shorter distance triathlons, including Champaign’s mini-triathlon and other local races, this is only his second attempt to complete a full Ironman race.
"There's a group of friends, all of us 40-plus, mid-life crisis guys, doing the Ironman Lake Placid," said Singer. "It took me 14 hours to do the Ironman Wisconsin race. With this second race, I hope to beat that time, but overall, I just want to finish within the 17 hour time limit as I've promised to do for the Janus Charity Challenge."
For most, completing an Ironman race is a very personal journey. For athletes competing in the Janus Charity Challenge, it is about more than crossing the finish line - it's about making a difference.
To make a pledge in support of Singer’s efforts visit
http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/lp07/acsinger.
For more information about the Ironman USA Lake Placid, visit http://www.ironmanusa.com.