Clermont's Zach Ruble, 27, was the first to cross the Great Floridian Triathlon finish line with a winning time of 9:27:42. Zach took the lead on the 112 mile bike leg and extended it nearly 1:08:00 over second place finisher, Aubry Aldy, 29, of Naples, FL, who finished in 10:35:35. This was the greatest margin of victory in the race's history. Zach was also victorious in last month's Florida Challenge Triathlon, a half-iron distance race that preceeds the GFT. Javier Beuzeville, 21, Tampa, came in third with a time of 11:05:41.
For the women, it was Heather Butcher (pictured), 37, from North Port, FL, who took top honors with a time of 11:43:11. Heather was a top five finisher in three previous Great Floridians, however this was her first victory. She also was the overall female champion in last month's Florida Challenge Triathlon. Rounding out the top three women was second place finisher Heather White, 35, from Parker, CO, and Karen Zerr, 40, from Kanata, IN.