Greg Bennett and Kelly Williamson triumph in Muncie

At the race shortened (1-mile swim, 30-mile bike and 10K run) Ironman 70.3 Muncie, American’s Greg Bennett and Kelly Williamson ran away from the rest of the field to earn their victories.

Bennett ran the top men’s 10 km split of 33:36 to win in 2:00:34, while Williamson ran the top women’s split of 35:48 to win in 2:10:53.

Race organizers shortened the event due to an excessive heat warning issued by the USA’s National Weather Service.

“Our No. 1 priority is always athlete safety and a first-class athlete experience,” said Shane Facteau, Vice President of North American Operations for World Triathlon Corporation. “We never like to cancel or modify a race, but sometimes conditions beyond our control force us to do just that. After consultation with The National Weather Service, medical staff and city officials, the clear and only choice was to shorten the race. We want to thank all of our participants, volunteers and Muncie residents for their participation and continued support of this event.”

Each athlete in the event received an a $125 discount to any one of the upcoming 2012 races: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead – Aug. 19, Ironman 70.3 Timberman – Aug. 19, Ironman 70.3 Branson – Sept. 23, Ironman 70.3 Austin – Oct. 28.