Sanders, Haskins On Top At 70.3 Panama

Canada’s Lionel Sanders and the United States’ Sarah Haskins claimed the Ironman 70.3 Pan American Championship titles on Sunday in Panama City, Panama. Each took home $20,000 (as part of an overall $100,000 prize purse) and valuable early-season points toward 70.3 and Ironman World Championship qualification.

Sanders spent his day working his way up from the back, coming out of the swim in 20th (24:35 swim split), off of the bike in second (1:55:04 bike split) and up to first at the finish line (1:14:47 run split), giving him the win in 3:38:52. France’s Antony Costes was first off of the bike and settled for second at the finish line in 3:41:53. Australia’s Tim Reed rounded out the top three in 3:44:08.

Haskins remained unbeaten at the 70.3 distance thanks to a 21:47 swim, 2:13:58 bike and a 1:28:34 run, crossing the finish line at 4:08:53. Fellow American Lisa Roberts had the fastest run of the women (22:04) to finish in second at 4:10:36. Heather Lendway made it an all-American podium, claiming third at 4:10:41.

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2016 Ironman 70.3 Latin American Championships
Panama City, Panama – Jan. 31, 2016
1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run

Men
1. Lionel Sanders (CAN) 3:38:52
2. Antony Costes (FRA) 3:41:53
3. Tim Reed (AUS) 3:44:08
4. Jeff Symonds (CAN) 3:44:20
5. Oscar Galindez (ARG) 3:44:53

Women
1. Sarah Haskins (USA) 4:08:53
2. Lisa Roberts (USA) 4:10:35
3. Heather Lendway (USA) 4:10:41
4. Kirsty Jahn (CAN) 4:10:49
5. Linsey Corbin (USA) 4:12:23

Complete results