Russell, Barnett Win On A Muggy Day At 70.3 Raleigh
Americans Matt Russell and Lauren Barnett earned the 70.3 victories on a muggy day in Raleigh, N.C.
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Americans Matt Russell and Lauren Barnett earned the 70.3 victories on a hot and humid day in Raleigh, N.C.
Russell was 15th out of the water with a swim split of 28:14. From there, he dominated the bike ride in 2:03:01 to earn the lead into T2. He finished his day out front with a 1:18:31 half-marathon, putting him across the finish line at 3:52:34. Great Britain’s James Hadley had the fastest run (1:16:58) on a tough day to run from seventh off of the bike to second at the finish line in 3:57:46. Australia’s Richie Cunningham claimed the bronze spot in 4:00:20
Barnett narrowly edged out 2015 champion Meredith Kessler (USA), putting together a 31:26 swim, a 2:21:19 bike and a 1:25:02 half-marathon to just pass Kessler near the end of the run and take the victory in 4:21:04. Kessler slowed in the final miles, but clinched second at 4:23:12 with plenty of time to spare. Great Britain’s Laura Siddall rounded out the podium in 4:27:37.
Ironman 70.3 Raleigh
Raleigh, N.C. – June 5, 2016
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run
Men
1. Matt Russell (USA) 3:52:57
2. James Hadley (GBR) 3:57:46
3. Richie Cunningham (AUS) 4:00:20
4. Justin Park (USA) 4:01:09
5. Kyle Buckingham (RSA) 4:01:44
Women
1. Lauren Barnett (USA) 4:21:31
2. Meredith Kessler (USA) 4:23:12
3. Laura Siddall (GBR) 4:27:37
4. Alexandra Tondeur (BEL) 4:29:15
5. Lauren Capone (USA) 4:35:12