It was 2 " out and backs " which gave spectators a chance to see the runners 4 times . That 's Heather Fuhr on the left and Paula Newby - Fraser handing out water at the turnaround . I was a bit shocked to see a number of Ironman competitors in the race and running hard ( I could see their registration wristbands . ) I was more shocked to see a guy running in corduroy shorts in fourth place trying to chase down the leaders .

Question: What was the reason we could see the competitors numerous times ?
Answer: Heather Fuhr ran clockwise on the left .There were 2 out and backs .Paula Newby - Fraser directed the out and backsThe guy in corduroy shorts led them around the out and backs .