MANILA, Philippines — Five-time Ironman World Champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander and two-time Ironman World Champion Caroline Steffen were the fastest finishers of their divisions at the 2016 Century Ironman 70.30 at Subic Bay, clocking in at 03:48:56 and 04:09:40 respectively.
Australia’s Alexander raced past Germany’s Patrick Lange (03:50:45) who came in second, and fellow Aussie and defending champion Tim Reed (03:52:28) who came in third.
Lange who started strong on the swim and bike legs was overtaken by Alexander who snatched the lead during the run, 6 kilometers from the finish line.
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Caroline Steffen secured first place over Czech Republic’s Radka Vodickova (04:14:51), and Dimity-Lee Duke (04:23:52). It was a tight battle between Steffen and Vodickova who led the female pro division throughout the race.
August Benedicto (04:20:15) won the men’s Filipino elite division, followed by Benjamin Rana Jr. (04:33:23) and Jorry Ycong (04:35:48) while Monica Torres (04:39:45) clinched the top spot of the women's Filipino elite division over Maria Hodges (05:16:20) and Ani Karina Brown (6:46:03).
The podium finishers received jeepney-shaped medals and trophies from SEI president Wilfred Steven Uytengsu and Century Pacific Food Inc. General Manager Greg Banzon during the awards rites.
The first 5 men and women finishers of the pro category of the Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 received prize money as follows:
- 1st place: US$ 3000
- 2nd place: US$ 2000
- 3rd place: US$ 1250
- 4th place: US$ 750
- 5th place: US$ 500
Beyond the achievement of completing a half Ironman, Century Tuna Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay serves as a qualifying race for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast, Australia with a total of 40 qualifying slots at stake. – Rappler.com