On Sunday morning, the island of St. Croix came to a standstill to host its final Ironman 70.3 triathlon. Most island roads closed to free up the bike and run routes. Approximately 1,000 local volunteers worked the race, manning everything from water stations to kayaks along the swim course. Race options included a half Ironman, sprint triathlon and team relay options of both.
205 athletes completed the half Ironman 70.3 race. Top finishers were as follows:
1 – Francky Favre of Martinique finished in 4 hours and 41 minutes (last year’s winner)
2 – Chris Brands of The Netherlands finished in 4 fours and 50 minutes
3 – Jesus Andres Cruz Gonzalez of Columbia finished in 4 hours and 52 minutes
4 – Stephen Swanton of the United States finished in 5 hours and 6 minutes
5 – Ian Murray of the USA finished in 5 hours, 8 minutes and 39 seconds
6 – Carl Eichert of the USA finished in 5 hours, 8 minutes and 51 seconds
7 – Corey Robinson of the USA finished in 5 hours and 9 minutes
8 – Stefan Irion of the USA finished in 5 hours and 10 minutes
9 – Paul O’Donnell of the USA finished in 5 hours and 15 minutes
10 – Witold Lipski of the USA finished in 5 hours and 18 minutes
Full / official results can be found here
This being the last year for St. Croix to host the event, many island residents took part in the races, particularly in the sprint and sprint relays. One of those participants was 15 year-old Dominic Pugliese, who came in first in the sprint triathlon. “Dom” is the son of Frank and Katherine Pugliese, owners of Un Amore restaurant.
St. Croix plays whole-hearted host to a multitude of events throughout the year. Download The Farchette & Hanley Team’s free St. Croix Event Guide, from which you can find an event to plan a long stay around. When you’re ready to commit to living part- or full-time on island, contact Chris and Kerri Hanley, the authorities on Virgin Islands real estate. They have more than 50 years of combined real estate experience specific to this market.