From 5K's to triathlons to mud races and color runs, endurance events are sweeping the Nation. But the competitors aren't just low-body-fat fanatics and nipple-taping ironmen. There are rock 'n' rollers and plus sizes and more women than men. The goal now is to have fun and finish, as much as it is to get fit. Welcome to America's second great running boom -- everyone's invited. (Read SI's story on the phenomenon in the June 3rd issue, with LeBron James on the cover.)
Leanda Cave, of Britain, rolls across the finish line as the women's winner of the Ironman World Championship triathlon, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Kevin Taddonio, of the United States, celebrates in his own way just before crossing the finish line of the Ironman U.S. Championship triathlon in New York, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012.