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Germany’s Maurice Clavel claimed victory in the 2021 Ironman African Championship held in Nelson Mandela Bay on Sunday following a two-year hiatus.
He won the title in a time of 07:30:30, ahead of countryman Sebastian Kienle (DEU), who finished second in a time of 07:32:31. Sweden’s Rasmus Svenningsson took the third spot in a time of 07:34:34.
Local favourite Kyle Buckingham and South African compatriot, Bradley Weiss, rounded off the top five.
The woman’s race was won by Ruth Astle of Great Britain in a time of 08:28:52 while history was made when three South African athletes Annah Watkinson, Jade Roberts, and Natia Van Heerden finished in the top four.
“Athletes kicked off the day with a shortened swim due to strong currents and choppy swim conditions. The 3.8km swim course was reduced to 1.9km for the PROs and 700m for the age-groupers,” according to a post-race statement.
Organisors said the 2021 IRONMAN African Championship saw under 1 000 participants taking part.
