Reed, Morris head Australian invasion

Tim Reed ended Sam Betten’s reign in the men’s division while Kerry Morris ruled the women’s side to spearhead the Australian’s domination of the Bellevue Resort 5150 Triathlon in Panglao Island in Bohol on Sunday.

Used to longer distances, Reed pulled away from Betten in the run stage to add the 1.5 kilometer swim, 40K bike and 10K run event to his list of Ironman 70.3 triumphs. He has also won the last three Ironman Philippines in Cebu.

Dominating the run part in 37:53 minutes, Reed negated Betten’s stronger performances in the swim and bike events to clock a winning time of 1 hour, 58 minutes and 24 seconds in the municipalities of Panglao and Dauis.

Morris, on the other hand, added to Dimity-Lee Duke’s frustrations as she topped the distaff side in 2:14:45.

“Sometimes, when your legs are tired on the bike you feel great on the run. In the first three to four kilometers, I caught up with Sam and it’s been of relief,” said Reed. “It’s fast and it’s fun.”

Reed and Morris took $2,000 (about P102,000) each.

Betten, who clocked 2:01:24, said he was satisfied with his performance although he failed in his three-peat bid.

“You can’t be disappointed if you’ve won five 5150s and come in second once,” said Betten.

Betten fared better than Reed in the swim (19:42 to 20:18) and bike (55:45 to 56:13) events.

Jerry Young clocked 2:10:50 to repulse Filipinos Edward Macalalad (2:11:05) and Paul Jumamil (2:11:28), a Boholano, for the Elite men’s crown worth P30,000. —ROY LUARCA