CAMBRIDGE – Dorchester County welcomed athletes from around the world — as well as several local competitors — to the 2018 Ironman Maryland triathlon. Todd Burns of Arlington, Va. and Maggie Walsh from Littleton, Colo, prevailed, taking the top honors with finish times of 8:48.16 and 9:27.52, respectively. The event saw 1,700 athletes representing 48 states and dozens of foreign countries start the race. One of more than 40 events in the global Ironman Series, athletes took on a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run. The swim takes place in the Choptank River, while the two-loop bike course winds through Dorchester County. The three-loop run course is flat and fast and takes athletes through downtown Cambridge with an energetic finish at historic Long Wharf. “The event offers 40 coveted age-group qualifying slots to the 2019 Ironman World Championship, taking place on Oct. 12,” a statement from Ironman said. This is the fifth Iroman Maryland triathlon held in Dorchester. Organizers and local officials announced last week that a contract has been signed for five more years. With athletes, their families, friends and fans arriving days before the triathon itself, local businesses report increased activity during race week every year. Hundreds of local volunteers turn out to help in a variety of ways, often to have their clubs or teams compensated by Ironman organizers. C-SD coach Kareem Otey was on Riverside Drive with girls from the school’s soccer and softball teams. The teens were at tables loaded with drinks, food and ice, which they held out to passing runners. “They know what to do,” Coach Otey said, noting that the teams have made a tradition of serving the visitors over the years. “It’s a team bonding experience.” Local competitors from Cambridge Multi-Sport Club participated. They were, with their overall places and finishing times: Ryan Carrion, 250, 11:22.23 Steve Culver, 960, 14:25.01 Tracy Maccherola, 322, 11:47.19 Rebecca Fox, 243, 11:21.20 Cindy Palinkas, 922, 14:18.00 Brian Scott, 626, 13:04.12 Lynn Stewart, 1,176, 15:26.21 Mike Stewart, 1,175, 15:26.18 The beautiful scenery, well organized process and kindness of local residents make a favorable impression on visiting competitors every year. “My first triathlon and Ironman took place yesterday,” racer Dean Luther said in a post online. “An amazing experience may be an understatement. The support from the competitors was unbelievable on the run, the people of Cambridge embraced us like we were their own - we came in on Tuesday to experience the town and all of Ironman - the volunteers were tremendous, and I’m blessed to have gone through this experience.” For full results and additional information on Ironman, visit www.ironman.com.