There are many different reactions when finishing the 140.6-mile Ironman.

For some, it’s a roar of achievement. For others, it’s a sigh of relief.

For Coeur d’Alene Police Officer Daniel Haley, who finished his Ironman in 12 hours, four minutes and 55 seconds, it was a big smile. 

As Haley crossed the finish line, he was welcomed with open arms by family, friends and a crowd of CDAPD officers. Waving the Thin Blue Line flag — which signifies support for law enforcement officials that risk their lives for the call of duty — behind him, Haley said he was proud of his Sunday race. 

“It was a fantastic course to run on, and all the volunteers were amazing,” Haley said, grinning ear to ear. “It is a fantastic feeling to represent the city of Coeur d’Alene and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.” 

The race didn’t come without its challenges. Athletes braved 100-degree weather for most of the race, which featured a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2 mile run throughout Coeur d’Alene. Haley said the heat played a factor in his performance Sunday, but he stayed on track.

“I had hoped to hit 11 to 12 hours, with the heat, it pushed me a little over 12, but I’m happy,” he laughed. “It certainly took a lot of water to get here.” 

It has been four years since the last full-distance Ironman triathlon was held in Coeur d’Alene, making the race even more exciting, Ironman Communications Specialist Ryan Lobato said Sunday. That feeling was shared by about 2,100 participants who tried their hand at one of the most grueling races in the United States. 

Ivan Tucker was one of those men. He finished his ninth Ironman in 12 hours, 18 minutes, and 33 seconds. A seasoned Ironman veteran, Tucker has completed seven of his triathlons on the Coeur d’Alene course — giving him the home-field advantage. 

“It’s a beautiful area. You couldn’t ask for a better venue,” Tucker said, looking around. “I wish it were a little cooler, but it is what it is.” 

He said the heat slowed him down a little, pushing him about an hour past his goal time, but Tucker stayed positive. 

“A finish is a finish,” Tucker said. 

A firefighter for the Spokane County Fire District #4, Tucker said he spent about 25 to 35 hours a week training for Sunday’s race — time he said he spent well. Before then, training is on and off, but it never stops, he said. 

“You got to have a good base, or you’re going to be in trouble,” Tucker laughed. 

This reporter also caught up with Coeur d’Alene Press Assistant Managing Editor Bill Buley on the course. It was the 112-mile bike that hurt the most, he said, but Buley pushed forward strong as he started his marathon despite a hot sun beating down on his back. 

“It was brutal, but I made it,” he said, rounding the turn at McEuen Park. 

Nicole Moore, from Post Falls, hit the finish line with a stride at a cool 13 hours 34 minutes and 17 seconds. In between gulps of water, she smiled and was happy to end the race. 

“It sure wasn’t easy, but no one ever said it would be,” Moore chuckled while catching her breath. 

Her first Ironman, Moore, has been training for over a year, waiting for COVID-19 to be over so she could get back on the track. 

“You’ll have to ask me how I am in a couple of hours when the feeling in my legs comes back,” she said. “Despite everything, I would absolutely do it again.” 

The fastest registered participant from Coeur d’Alene was Scott Voyles, who placed 11 out of 201 in the 35 to 39-year-old male category and 49 overall.