The first Tri for a Cure, originally conceived as an alternative to a golf tournament, shattered all expectations a year ago, drawing 500 women and raising a quarter of a million dollars for the Maine Cancer Foundation.

The second edition of the all-women's triathlon proved that it was no one-hit wonder. More than 700 women - many of them first time triathletes - participated in Sunday's event on the Southern Maine Community College campus in South Portland, raising more than $400,000 for cancer research, with that number still growing.

Stacy Cimino of Cape Elizabeth was the second athlete across the finish line. A triathlon veteran, she was participating in the Tri for a Cure for the first time.

"It's more important in this race just to be a part of it and to watch all these women who haven't done anything competitive get off the couch and do it, whatever they do," she said. "It's totally inspiring."

Several dozen of the athletes, including this year's winner, are cancer survivors, while many others were participating to honor a loved one affected by the disease.

Anne Wilkinson of Falmouth, who finished near the top last year, accomplished her goal of winning the event - which begins with a 1/3-mile swim, moves to a 15-mile bike ride and concludes with a 3-mile run - this time around with a time of 1:13:15.

"I was looking to finish first. I've never won before and that was my goal," said Wilkinson, who has completed two other triathlons this summer.

A competitive swimmer in college, Wilkinson is a survivor of cervical cancer. The disease was discovered early on and she's now cancer free. She goes in for checkups every four months to make sure she remains that way. A stay-at-home mom to two young boys after being laid off in January, Wilkinson not only trained hard for the Tri for a Cure, she worked hard to raise money, too.

"I was fortunate to raise almost $1,500, much more than I ever expected," she said.

Wilkinson was the first to complete the course by a wide margin, though the race begins in several waves due to the high number of participants, meaning she couldn't be declared the victor until the other waves had finished.

The large and supportive crowds gathered throughout the race provided plenty of encouragement for the athletes. The camaraderie of the women and the community feel helped Wilkinson, though she was still feeling the pain near the end.

"The running is the worst," she said. "At that point, it's, 'Hang on.'"

Her big smile at the finish line showed that it's all worthwhile, however.

"We've worked so hard to get here," she said. "This should be the fun part. Now's the chance to really shine."

Andrea Wedge of Scarborough is also a cancer survivor. After battling breast cancer, she's been cancer free for three and a half years. She works for the Maine Cancer Foundation and, along with race directors Abby Bliss and Julie Marchese, plays a big role in coordinating the Tri for a Cure. She also completed the race for the second time.

"It was a little bit harder this year, but fun," she said after being greeted at the finish line by her husband and two sons. "It's bigger this year. It raised more money. It's a great event."

In just two years, the Tri for a Cure has exceeded even the wildest of expectations.

"It's unbelievable," Wedge said. "The Maine Cancer Foundation does great work and we're putting research grants out there so people can build on them. It makes for a fabulous day."