South African Raynard Tissink held out on the run to cross the finish line first at Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs today ahead of a hard charging Michael Lovato (USA) to win the race in a total time of 4:03:27.
Rounding out the podium was American triathlete Josiah Middaugh who's 1:23:12 run was enough for bronze.
American triathlete Kelly Williamson won, lost, and won the lead again during the three segments of the race. She was first out of the water with a race-best 24:01 swim, but lost the lead to Jessica Meyers on the bike, only to reclaim the lead and the eventual win on the run with a total time of 4:26:09.
Jessica Meyers and Margaret Shapiro took the silver and bronze positions at the 2011 Buffalo Springs Lake, Texas race.
2011 Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs
Top 5 Professional Men
1. Raynard Tissink (RSA) 4:03:27
2. Michael Lovato (USA) 4:04:22
3. Josiah Middaugh (USA) 4:05:51
4. Joe McDaniel (USA) 4:06:52
5. James Bowstead (NZL) 4:11:26
Top 5 Professional Women
1. Kelly Williamson (USA) 4:26:09
2. Jessica Meyers (USA) 4:34:23
3. Margaret Shapiro (USA) 4:35:21
4. Jessica Jacobs (USA) 4:35:39
5. Amanda Lovato (USA) 4:38:30
Top 5 Professional Men
1. Raynard Tissink (RSA) 4:03:27
2. Michael Lovato (USA) 4:04:22
3. Josiah Middaugh (USA) 4:05:51
4. Joe McDaniel (USA) 4:06:52
5. James Bowstead (NZL) 4:11:26
Top 5 Professional Women
1. Kelly Williamson (USA) 4:26:09
2. Jessica Meyers (USA) 4:34:23
3. Margaret Shapiro (USA) 4:35:21
4. Jessica Jacobs (USA) 4:35:39
5. Amanda Lovato (USA) 4:38:30
Click HERE for complete Amateur and Professional results.
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Photo credit: Buffalo Springs Lake via Facebook