Rain helps Campbell top her first Ironman 70.3 race in PH

Brittany Campbell. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

SUBIC — The rain poured and it was just what Australian triathlete Brittany Campbell needed to fight off the unbearable heat and push through her first Ironman 70. 3 race in the Philippines.

And it doesn’t seem like it’s going to be Campbell’s last here after having a triumphant first try.

“The rain was really nice. It definitely cooled things down,” Campbell told INQUIRER.net shortly after crossing the finish line at Remy Field here. “It was a really tough course, beautiful and really solid.”

“The heat was definitely the biggest challenge. It really got hot towards the end of the ride.”

Campbell became the first female finisher after topping the 25-29 age group women in five hours, 10 minutes and 48 seconds.

Meanwhile, Andy Wibowo of Indonesia finished first overall in the Ironman 70.3 age group men, clocking four hours, 39 minutes and 39 seconds. Wibowo competed in the 35-39 age category.

A pair of Italian triathletes in Giovanni Bella and Giulio Vanni were second and third, respectively in the age group men.

Claire Walton of Great Britain (30-34) finished four minutes and 34 seconds after Campbell while Inge Prasetyo (35-39) of Indonesia was the third fastest female to finish in the age group.