By Jean Malanum

CHAMPION. Eric van der Linden of the Netherlands won the overall men’s title in the Ironman 70.3 Davao City on Sunday (Aug. 11, 2024). He finished the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run race in 4:19:27. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – Dutch Eric van der Linden displayed remarkable endurance to rule the Ironman 70.3 in Davao City on Sunday.

The 50-year-old from Schagen, North Holland finished the 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run course in 4 hours, 19 minutes and 27 seconds.

He posted leg times of 27:50 (swim), 2:19:06 (bike) and 1:27:18 (run).

Filipinos John Patrick Ciron placed second in 4:19:45 (30:47 swim, 2:22:42 bike and 1:21:52 run) and Franklin Yee third in 4:20:25 (32:59 swim, 2:22:15 bike and 1:20:07 run).

Former full Ironman Philippines champion Petr Lukosz of the Czech Republic was fourth in 4:24:49, followed by Jorry Ycong (4:26:08), Satar Salem (4:26:10), recent Bohol 5150 winner Irienold Reig Jr. (4:26:39), M.R. Santiago (4:28:20), John Leerams Chicano (4:30:14) and A.R. Toroganan (4:31:30).

Meanwhile, Leyann Ramo from Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte bagged the overall women’s title in 4:48:18, (29:47 swim, 2:34:37 bike and 1:38:44 run).

Sophie Capistrano settled for second in 5:12:14 (35:44 swim, 2:38:18 bike and 1:52:03 run), while Chloe Jane Ong was third in 5:21:05 with clockings of 36:29, 2:40:20 and 1:56:04.

Van der Linden, who competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, also won in the 50-54 years category.

Ciron dominated the 25-29 class and Yee won the 18-24 category.
Other winners were Ycong (30-34), Lukosz (40-44), Ramo (30-34), Capistrano (18-24) and Ong (35-39). (PNA)