Canadians Win Ironman 70.3 Victoria

The inaugural Ironman 70.3 Victoria (formerly of the Subaru Western Triathlon Series) saw two local favourites take the win this past Sunday.

In the men’s race, Andrew Russell, a former national team member who lives  in Victoria, exited the water just behind American Matt Leito and Canadian Josh Seifarth. Lieto kept his lead on the bike with Russell coming in 1:47 behind.  But Russell’s fastest run took him to the win in 3:58:25. Lieto finished second  in 4:01:40 and Stephen Kilshaw was just 12 seconds behind him in third.

In the women’s race Karen Thibodeau lead the entire day. Her fast swim in Elk Lake put her over two minutes ahead of fellow Canadian Christine Fletcher and American Mackenzie Madison. Although Madison would close that gap on the bike, Thibodeau’s strong run saw her finish four minutes ahead of Madison in 4:30:36. Canada’s Janet Neilson was third.