Projo Running Blog

Race organizers provide this recap of Sunday's second annual Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island Triathlon, which consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run from Narragansett to Providence:

Michael Lovato and Michellie Jones Claim Titles at 2009

Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island

Sunday, July 12, 2009 (Providence, RI) - Today, Michael Lovato, USA, and Michellie Jones, AUS, captured victories at the 2009 Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island Triathlon, presented by Ford. Lovato, a two-time Ironman champion, claimed the title with an overall time of 3:54:39. Last year's runner-up, Richie Cunnigham, remained consistent with another second place finish with a time of 3:54:50. Eight-time Ironman New Zealand winner, Cameron Brown, rounded out the podium just three seconds behind Cunningham with a time of 3:54:53.

James Cotter led out of the swim held at Roger Wheeler State Beach, while Lovato followed approximately 2 minutes behind. Cunningham and Brown took turns leading on the bike leg, although Lovato exited the bike-to-run transition ahead. Lovato and Cunningham stayed close by each other during the challenging half-marathon through the streets of Providence, and the top three men showcased a close finish in front of the State House in downtown.

Top five professional men's results are as follows:
1. Michael Lovato, 3:54:39
2. Richie Cunningham, 3:54:50
3. Cameron Brown, 3:54:53
4. Wolfgang Guembel, 3:58:01
5. Nick Frank, 4:03:12

Jones, an Ironman World Champion, dominated the women's field today. Leading out of the swim and bike, Jones held off second place finisher, Desiree Ficker, who posted the fastest women's run split of the day and Heather Jackson, today's third place female.

Top five professional women's results are as follows:
1. Michellie Jones, 4:23:56
2. Desiree Ficker, 4:27:21
3. Heather Jackson, 4:33:39
4. Kim Loeffler, 4:36:53
5. Suzanne Zelazo, 4:40:57

Local professional athlete, John Hirsch of Block Island, was the top Rhode Island finisher placing 15th overall with a time of 4:19:25. Age group athlete Lisbeth Kenyon of Barrington, was Rhode Island's first female, and claimed the fourth place spot among the women's field with a finish time of 4:40:10.

Today's second annual event, consisted of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike and a 13.1-mile run. A total of 1,349 athletes officially started the race, representing 50 states and more than 15 countries. Participating athletes saw light wind early in the day, accounting for more challenging swim conditions. A mixture of clouds and sun greeted athletes during the bike and run, with temperatures hovering near 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

For race results or to track an athlete, visit www.ironmanrhodeisland.com.

 Tags  Amica Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island John Hirsch Lisbeth Kenyon Michael Lovato Michellie Jones

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