Frodeno and Gomez led much of the run together. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
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Jan Frodeno and Javier Gomez prepare for the day of racing. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
The professional men prepare to enter the water for 1.2 miles of swimming. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee dives in to start his first Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Ben Kanute and Jan Frodeno lead the pro men out of the water. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Javier Gomez exits the water as part of the front group of swimmers. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Sam Appleton was one of a handful of athletes who were able to keep contact with the front group during the bike. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Alistair Brownlee tried several times to break off the front, but he was caught every time. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Age-group men take on one of the climbs of the 56-mile bike course. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
After the race Jan Frodeno expressed frustration that more athletes weren’t willing to work hard on the bike. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Javier Gomez has won the Ironman 70.3 World Championship twice. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Alistair Brownlee bikes against one of the many scenic landscapes of South Africa. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Over 4,500 athletes competed over the weekend. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Frodeno and Gomez led much of the run together. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Jan Frodeno of Germany runs past Javier Gomez, who grabs his abdomen in pain. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Alistair Brownlee eventually passed Javier Gomez to finish in second place. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Frodeno flew through the run course in 1:06:34. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Frodeno had a little bit of time to celebrate his victory. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Frodeno wins in a blazing 3:36:31. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Alistair Brownlee finishes second in his debut at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Brownlee has had a rough year of injuries. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Gomez will take on the Ironman World Championship for the first time next month. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Gomez struggled through the final miles, but was able to hold onto third place. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
The podium: Alistair Brownlee (second), Jan Frodeno (first), and Javier Gomez (third). Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
The podium: Alistair Brownlee (second), Jan Frodeno (first), and Javier Gomez (third). Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Nelson Mandela Bay was a great host for the 4,500 athletes. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Nelson Mandela Bay was a great host for the 4,500 athletes. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
Nelson Mandela Bay was a great host for the 4,500 athletes. Photo: Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Ironman
There was plenty of hype heading into the men’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship race in Nelson Mandela Bay, with many excited to see the battle of three Olympic medalists in Jan Frodeno (gold, 2008), Alistair Brownlee (gold, 2012 and 2016), and Javier Gomez (silver, 2012). The trio turned in quite the show and elevated 70.3 racing to the next level with an epic battle on the run. Frodeno took the victory, with Brownlee finishing in second in his debut at the race and Gomez, who’s won this title twice, claiming the third podium spot. All three men posted sub-1:10 half-marathon splits. Read the complete recap here.
