Augusta, GA

Ironman brings thousands of athletes to Augusta

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2023

Press Room

Ironman brings thousands of athletes to Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) –

The largest half Ironman event in the country took place this morning in Augusta.

Over a thousand athletes from all over competing for the grand prize.

Energy was high at the race, as professional and amateur athletes to took the Savannah River and the streets of Augusta to test their endurance and strength.

From Germany, to Canada, and right here in Augusta, Ironman welcomed athletes from all over the world.

“I’m from Outerbanks North Carolina, but i live in Lynchburg Virginia right now,” said first time Ironman participant, Connor Readman.

He’s no stranger to a good race and as he reflects on his first Ironman as a professional athlete, he’s already got his sights set on next year.

“Streets lined up with people cheering you on, that was my favorite part- helped me push through til the very end. If they have another professional race next year I’d love to be back, see if I can’t do better,” he said.

Starting out bright and Sunday morning, athletes swam on both sides of the Savannah River, starting in North Augusta and rounding it out in the Garden City, with a 56 mile bike ride and 13.1 mile run.

“The crowds were amazing, the down river swim was really unique. It still like separated the packs but it was a fast one,” said Ironman 70.3 Augusta pro women’s winner, Paula Findlay.

People watching say the excitement of it all is really why they come out year after year.

North Augusta neighbor Gregory Harrell loves it so much he’s thinking about doing it himself.

“Not very good at swimming. If I did, I would be in this race. It’s on my bucket list. to learn how to swim and compete if I’m not too old,” he said.

He’s like so many others, keeping up with the athletes who trained so hard for that winning moment.

Other than the swim portion being moved up river, this year athletes also ran most of the riverwalk which is a change from previous years.

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Augusta, GA

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

Published

8 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

One dead after being hit by car in Aiken County

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -One person is dead after being struck by a vehicle on US 1 in Aiken County.

The South Carolina High Patrol and Aiken County Coroner’s Office said a pedestrian was walking south on US 1 near Bogeyville Road around 7:18 Sunday night when a 2021 Chevrolet Camero hit them.

The driver of the Camaro was not injured.

The woman was taken to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, according to Coroner Darryl Ables, where she died from her injuries at 8:35 Sunday night.

The victim’s name will be released at a later time.

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Augusta, GA

Tree giveaway helps Augusta get back to normal after Helene

Published

20 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been more than 100 days since Hurricane Helene came through our area.

Now, those in the CSRA are still cleaning up the aftermath.

On Saturday, Rooting for Augusta helped the area get back to normal.

“Every once in a while, we have a horrific event that unites us all, and we certainly had it with the storm. Everybody can agree that it’s a good thing to plant trees back in the right spots,” said Dennis Trotter with Rooting for Augusta.

Rooting for Augusta gave away 700 trees as part of the event.

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Augusta, GA

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2025

Press Room

New Richmond County sheriff promotes deputies, other employees

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – After swearing in 100 new deputies at the beginning of his tenure, Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley also addressed promotions and appointments for those in the sheriff’s office.

It happened on Friday before the winter weather got underway and impacted the region.

Brantley spoke with us after about why the new promotions, appointments and people in the sheriff’s office will benefit the community.

“For the most part, when you’re suffering from a shortage of staff like we have been and so many other agencies in the state of Georgia and around the country, I think it is a boost in the arm to onboard 100 people to help get things that we need slow down crime and stop what is plaguing our community,” said Brantley.

Brantley said it was the first step to making the community safer.

He says he has been working on improving the jail as well.

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