Bell and Wee win Ironman 70.3 Hawaii

American John Flanagan led all athletes out of the water (23:56) at Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, then fellow American Chris Lieto took over the race with a 2:07:55 top bike split. However, it was Australia’s Luke Bell who ran an untouchable 1:18:58 half marathon to pass Lieto with two miles to go to earn the win in 3:58:14. Lieto hung on for second (4:01:32), ahead of his brother Matt (4:05:25).

The women’s race featured outstanding age group performances. Sheila Croft (W35-39) took hold of the race lead from Australia’s Elly Franks with less than two miles to go in the run but Hawaiian Bree Wee made sure the title stayed home by reeling in Croft within the final mile of the run to cross the finish line in 4:42:32, 37 seconds ahead of the second place Croft. Another age grouper, Susanne Davis (40-44) picked up third (4:44:00). Vancouver’s Christine Fletcher finished fifth (4:46:54).

Canadian age group winners:

First

Roth, Jonathan M20-24  4:31:23

Goodyear, Cullen W60-64  6:02:28

Second

Pearce-Gieck, Sarah  W30-34  5:01:24

Welder, Laurelee  W55-59  5:45:29

Third

Frost, Anthony M50-54  4:39:27

Shorter, Mark M55-59  5:08:36

Top 5 Men

1 Bell, Luke  3:58:14

2 Lieto, Chris  4:01:32

3 Lieto, Matt  4:05:25

4 Mikelson, Ian  4:11:21

5 Marr, Tim  4:12:16

Top 5 Women

1 Wee, Bree  4:42:32

2 Croft, Sheila  4:43:09

3 Davis, Susanne  4:44:00

4 Franks, Elly  4:46:46

5 Fletcher, Christine  (CAN) 4:46:54