The weather conditions at the fifth Ford Ironman Wisconsin on Sunday, Sept. 10 made it a tough day for all competitors. Rain, strong winds and cold temperatures added another element to the always challenging Ironman Triathlon.

The men's title was won by Markus Forster of Germany, this is his first Ironman win. He commented to the crowd that he didn't like the weather much, a feeling shared by most today. Forster came off the bike second to Chris McDonald of Albury, Australia who led going into the marathon. Clearly a two man race by mid-way in the marathon, McDonald was finally chased down by Forster who finished five minutes ahead of the Australian. Martin LaMontagne Lacasse of Sherbrooke, Quebec put in a strong run to take third place.

Katja Schumacher took the women's title, her fourth Ironman win. She passed early leader Hillary Biscay midway into the bike and pulled away from the American. Despite a concerted effort by Biscay, Schumacher maintained her lead to claim the win.

Biscay has posted a number of top Ironman finishes this year, two third place finishes at Ford Ironman Arizona and Ironman Brazil and a fifth place at Ford Ironman Coeur d'Alene.

Third place was claimed by local favorite Lauren Jensen of New Berlin, Wis. Jensen was hoping to improve on her second place finishes at this event in 2004 and 2005 but on this tough day was pleased with third.

Top local finishers: Rick Mann of Bethalto, Ill. was the top male finisher from Illinois. He finished 18th overall and fourth in his age group in 9:54:37. Top Chicago area finisher Adam Brown finished third in his age group and 25th overall in 10:00:30. Ruben Figueres takes the honor of the top male finisher from the Chicago city proper. He finished seventh in his age group in 10:19:08. In the womens competition, D'Arcy Dawson of Chicago was the top finisher from Illinois. She finished third in her age group with a time of 11:22:04.

Click here to view complete race results.

Additional reporting by Amy Rushlow