CL couple competes in Ironman 70.3 race

BY Dawn Rankins

Ben Wells and Becky McQuain display their medals after finishing the Ironman 70.3 race in Arizona on Sunday. Becky’s time and finish qualified her for the World Championships in St. George, Utah next year.

Canyon Lakers Becky McQuain and husband Ben Wells traversed 70.3 miles of swimming, running and bicycling Sunday in an Ironman 70.3 race in Arizona.

Becky placed third for the Women’s 30-35 age division. She was the 11th woman to cross the finish line with a time of 5:18:29.

Ben meanwhile finished 81st out of the 1,138 participants. Becky and Ben, both members of the Canyon Lake Triathlon and Fitness Club, finished the Ironman race of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run.

Becky participating in such an event is even more remarkable considering she had recently undergone surgery for hip dysplasia. Participating in this Ironman 70.3 race had been a goal of hers following the surgery.

Becky McQuain, after 70.3 miles and more than five hours of swimming, running and bicycling finishes the Ironman 70.3 race with a smile on her face. Her husband, Ben Wells, also competed in the race. Photos provided by Karin Cassidy

Becky’s time and finish have earned her a slot in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship to be held in St. George, Utah next year. Ironman 70.3 World Championship slots are awarded to the athletes who have the best percentile finish (versus starters) in their age group.

Becky will compete in St. George with the top professional and age-group triathletes around the world on one of the most challenging Ironman 70.3 courses.