Published January 17, 2010 10:25PM
Great Britain’s Fraser Cartmell and South Africa’s hometown girl Mari Rabie claimed the first Ironman 70.3 titles of the year with wins at Ironman 70.3 South Africa.
Cartmell’s win came with only two minutes to spare as South Africa’s James Cunnama posted the fastest half-marathon of the day and nearly found his way to the front. Cartmell held off the competition with a final time of 4:07:54. Cunnama settled for second at 4:09:34, while the final podium spot went to another South African, Brad Storm with a time of 4:15:36.
On the women’s side, 24-year-old Rabie emerged as a triathlete to watch as she beat out race favorite Sandra Wallenhorst of Germany. Rabie dominated the run to pass Wallenhorst and take the victory at 4:35:54. Wallenhorst held on to second with a time of 4:37:01. Third across the line was the Czech Republic’s Lucie Zelenkova.
Ironman 70.3 South Africa
Buffalo City, South Africa – January 17, 2010
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
Men
1. Fraser Cartmell (GBR) 4:07:54
2. James Cunnama (RSA) 4:09:34
3. Brad Storm (RSA) 4:15:36
4. Kent Horner (RSA) 4:17:00
5. Michael Davidson (RSA) 4:21:12
Women
1. Mari Rabe (RSA) 4:35:54
2 Sandra Wallenhorst (GER) 4:37:01
3. Lucie Zelenkova (CZE) 4:43:01
4. Vanessa Paolieri Giannini (BRA) 4:47:20
5. Diana Riesler (GER) 4:47:50