Athletes Battle Tough Conditions At Shortened Boise 70.3

Great Britain’s Jodie Swallow claimed the top women’s spot in a race marred by nasty weather and distance changes. On the men’s side, New Zealand’s Callum Millward and the United States’ Matt Reed crossed the finish line at what appeared to be the same time, resulting in a tire for the win.

The pros came out in full force for the fifth edition of the Boise 70.3 to compete for $15,000 and points toward qualifying for the 70.3 and Ironman World Championship events. (And the chance to begin racing at noon, the official start time in Boise.)

But 2012 would be unlike any other year. While Boise has seen its share of bad weather during the 70.3, this year was by far the worst. Freezing temperatures, strong wind, rain and snow in the foothills forced race officials to shorten the bike down to a reported 15 miles. The swim and run remained unchanged.

Men’s Race

After a close finish (watch the video below), it was decided that Callum Millward and Matt Reed would be declared co-winners. O’Donnell rounded out the podium in third.

Women’s Race

Former IM 70.3 world champ from 2010, Jodie Swallow, toed the line in Boise, as did other legends including Samantha McGlone, Malaika Homo, Nikki Butterfield, and Linsey Corbin. But Jodie Swallow came out of the water more than two minutes ahead of the rest of the field, in 25:43. She held onto her lead through the shortened bike, then held on through the run for the win in 2:29:28. Malaika Homo came in second while Nikki Butterfield rounded out the podium in third.

Ironman 70.3 Boise
Boise, Idaho – June 9, 2012
1.2-mile swim, 15-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Men

1. Callum Millward 2:13:23
1. Matty Reed 2:13:24
3. Timothy O’Donnell 2:14:17
4. Tim Reed 2:15:41
5. Trevor Wurtele 2:16:03

Women

1. Jodie Swallow 2:29:28
2. Malaika Homo 2:31:51
3. Nikki Butterfield 2:33:33
4. Julia Grant 2:34:25
5. Linsey Corbin 2:35:40