Australian Tim Reed is this year’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines. (CDN PHOTO/ TONEE DESPOJO)
In the end, it was two Australians who raced each other to the finish line ahead of the pack before one of them ended up on top in this year’s Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines.
Tim Reed emerged as this year’s champion of Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines as he finished the brutal course in 3 hours, 46 minutes and three seconds. Tim Van Berkel was only two seconds behind Reed to snag second place.
Last year’s champion Bren McMahon from Canada finished third at 3 hours, 50 minuets and 23 seconds.
Caroline Steffen of Switzerland defended her title in the women’s pro category followed by Beth Gerdes of the US and Dimity-Lee Duke of Australia.
Steffen managed to finish first the entire course despite a painfall bike crash at the South Road Properties (SRP) after she hit a child who tried to cross the road on her way back to Shangri-la Resort and Spa in Mactan.
MORE PHOTOS OF CELEBRITIES, ATHLETES AT THE COBRA IRONMAN 70.3
The child only sustained minor injuries while Steffen nursed a painful rib after the fall.
While spectators waiting along the bike and run course got a little bit out of control on areas that didn’t have marshals, they were a confidence booster for some athletes.
“Good confidence booster today at Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines. Awesome atmosphere with so many spectators on course cheering everyone on… Looking forward to receiving the awesome trophy for third place,” Lee said in a post on her Facebook account.
The medals and trophies were designed by world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.
Sunrise Events Inc. Princess Galura, the organizer of the Cobra Ironman 70.3 said this year’s event is better than the previous years. She said it only proves that Cebu is ready to host the Asia Pacific Championships for Ironman next year./ with Reporter Glendale Rosal, UP Intern Ann Juli Sibi