JAILANI Lamama of Tri-SND Barracuda clocked 4:01:21 to top the 25-29 age-group category while Great Britain dominated the 30-34 division of the Ironman 70.3 Davao at the Azuela Cove marred by the passing of a participant and a road mishap Sunday.
Abdul Rahman Toroganan clocked 4:04:08 to finish second behind the 26-year-old Lamama while Mohammad Hanin Maruhom finished third in 4:07:16.
The Britons ruled their side of the competition with Chris Weeks topping it in 3:34:54, followed by Christopher Keyes (3:43:07) and Alex Woodman (3:43:23), respectively.
Kenneth Bonda clocked 3:59:09 to rule the 18-24 class over Loris Millot (4:03:56) and Jacob Rodriguez (4:06:49).
The Ironman Group mourned the passing of swim coach Jerry Kasim, who succumbed to heart attack during the swim course. He was 49.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a race participant. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of the race and was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated. Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to support,” the organizing Ironman Group/Sunrise Events, Inc. said in a post.
Kasim’s younger sister, Sanita Kasim Soreny, a former national dragon boat team member now based in the United Kingdom, said her family was surprised by his untimely passing since they were not aware of any heart-related disease he might have had.
American triathlete David Smith also reportedly hit an 18-year-old spectator, who was allegedly picking up empty water bottles dropped by the other participants, during the bike course.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Filipe Azevedo and Aussie Sarah Crowley topped the premier pro division.
