Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa reaches record field on 5th Anniversary!

Published November 18, 2011 10:26

The Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa has now officially reached its biggest ever field in the history of the event since its inception in 2008! This is an incredible feat considering that the race reached such heights in only five years. The international Ironman 70.3 series consists of over 50 races around the globe and for the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa to now be one of the biggest in the world is testament to the level of organisation, professionalism of the organisers, quality of the event as well as the attraction of the Eastern Cape and Buffalo City.

“We are extremely proud to have achieved this milestone and to have done so on the 5th anniversary of the event makes it all the more remarkable. We’ve always strived to stage an event of the highest quality, offering athletes the best possible experience both on and off the course. This is a special accolade not only for us but also for the host city, Buffalo City and our title sponsor, Spec-Savers for being fully behind the event since its inception allowing it to flourish to see the heights it so deservedly today occupies,” said Keith Bowler, Managing Director of World Endurance South Africa.

“For an event such as ours to display such prodigious growth amidst the tough economic climate is truly phenomenal and speaks volumes for the stature in which the event is seen by athletes. We sincerely hope that the event goes from strength to strength and continues to garner such interest and enthusiasm from athletes and spectators alike,” Bowler went on to say.

Athletes come from far and wide to take part in the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa and the 2012 field is no exception. The 2012 edition features 37 different nationalities ranging from East London locals to as far afield as Yemen. Unsurprisingly the field is dominated by South African athletes, 2789 of them followed by 44 from the United Kingdom and 15 from the United States of America. The majority of the local field hail from Gauteng with 1352 athletes followed by the Eastern Cape with 613 and Western Cape with 508. Being Africa’s only Ironman 70.3 event, Motherland athletes will always call this event their own with athletes from 5 African nations represented.

“We shared the vision with the organisers that this event would one day rank among the top events on the global Ironman 70.3 calendar and to see this vision come to realisation is truly a proud moment. We constantly strive for differentiators in our business and we will continue to work with the organisers to maintain and enhance the world class stature of this event,” said Bryan Dowley, CEO of Spec-Savers.

Those athletes who have secured their place have taken the first step in what unfolds to become an incredible journey of self exploration and self discovery. Being able to rub shoulders with some of the world’s brightest triathlon talent, pitting wits against fellow amateurs and ultimately facing the biggest challenge of all – the race against yourself – is what Ironman 70.3 is all about.

It’s about the sacrifice and dedication just to be able to stand on the starting line. It’s about the extreme lows you experience out on the course. It’s about the inspirational moments when the crowd spurs you on. It’s about that moment of clarity when you summon energy from your innermost reserves you never knew you had. It’s about the sheer elation at crossing the finish line. It’s all of the above and more - it IS Ironman 70.3!

Every Ironman 70.3 athlete arrives with a single goal in mind and leaves with an incredible story and priceless memories. East London is the setting where close to 3000 stories of struggle, hope, determination and ecstasy will unfold as the 5th edition of the Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa takes place.

Rain and wind force Duathlon format: The intense storms that carried heavy precipitation and high winds to the Pucon region, forced todays Ironman 70.3 Agrosuper Pucon swim portion of the race to be replace with a 5 km run before athletes biked the two-loop 45 km bike course and ran the half-marathon.

“All yesterday (Saturday), it was storming weather with flash floods and high winds,” said Linsey Corbin, explaining the uncharacteristically miserable weather conditions in Pucon. “This morning the race organizers couldn't even set the buoys on the lake with all the white caps - so the race was delayed. An hour later, it was changed to a duathlon with a 5k run.”

Corbin, from the USA, did not let the adverse weather conditions hamper her along the way to her first win of the 2011 season. She dominated the women’s field, finishing the race in 4:15:42, followed by Kim Loffler (4:21:17). Rounding out the podium was Heather Gollnick (4:33:38).

“I am happy to have not given up all day and to take the win here in Pucon,” Corbin said, summing up her race in the tough conditions. “There were many times I thought, this is crazy, and I just tried to have fun with all the rain and stay as warm as possible.”

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Jokingly, Corbin said, “Even though the swim was cancelled, I think we all still swam, as there was that much rain on the bike and the run.”

Professional women’s results

1.- Linsey Corbin USA 4:15:42

2.- Kim Loffler USA 4: 21: 17

3.- Heather Gollnick USA 4:33:38

Men’s race

Argentina’s, Daniel Fontana has annually been a consistent performer here at Ironman 70.3 Pucon. Fontana reversed the outcome of last year’s race, convincingly beating last year’s champion, Reinaldo Colucci from Brazil, by over three minutes, who said, “It was the toughest race of my career,” after the race.

Oscar Galindez, from Argentina, continued his string of strong podium finishes here at Ironman 70.3 Pucon, finishing third.
Fontana, a 2004 Olympian representing Italy, finished today’s race in a winning time of 3:52:59. "It's just a tremendous feeling to have won here, it was a special victory because it was a hell out there on the course,” Fontana said after the race.

Professional men results

1.- Daniel Fontana ARG 3:52:59

2.- Reinaldo Colucci BRZ 3:56:24

3.- Oscar Galindez ARG 3:57:17

Shawn Skene can be reached at SSkene@Ironman.com

The Race

On January 15, 2012, join us for flat, fast courses and perfect running weather at the seventh annual P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon. Run or walk through three spectacular cities – Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe – while rockin’ to the beats of live bands and local cheer squads. Both routes are USATF-certified and the Marathon course is a Boston-qualifier. Flat, fast and filled with entertainment, it’s easy for beginners and seasoned veterans to succeed in Arizona!

Event Highlights

• Flat, Fast & FUN Courses


• Boston Qualifier


• Perfect Running Weather


• Live Bands & Cheer Teams Every Mile


• Free Headliner Concert

The Music

Live bands and cheer teams line the Marathon and 1/2 Marathon courses setting the pace for a 39.3-mile party. You’ll hear rock, funk, reggae and country, along with some jazz and blues to spice up the flavor.

Continue celebrating at the Post-Race Concert Celebration, and plan to stay a few extra days to enjoy the sunshine and all the unique attractions that make Arizona so special. All registered participants receive free admission to the Headliner Concert.