Situated in the stunning “Bay of Whales” in Iceland, the world‘s northernmost half-distance triathlon race, Challenge Iceland, took place on Saturday 23 July 2016.
The 1.9km swim course took place in the crystal clean Meðalfellsvatn fresh water lake (temperature was 15C), and the one loop 90km bike race with rolling hills and short climbs on the old main road of Hvalfjörður is one the most iconic bike routes in Iceland (total elevation 920m). Another beautiful country road with long hills of Kjós was the scene for the two lap 21.1 km run course.
Race organizers Race Makers Iceland, together with over 75 volunteers, have worked together in conjunction with Kjós municipality, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and a number of partners including Gló Street Food, Hammer Nutrition, Norðurál, Höldur Bílaleiga Akureyrar, WOW air, Grand Hótel, Reykjavík Excursions and many others, to make Challenge Iceland a reality.
Women
Heather Wurtele of Canada came 1st in 4:24:00 with a 4:21 margin over 2nd-placed Radka Vodickova of the Czech Republic and 8:14 over 3rd place finisher Haley Chura of the U.S. Wurtele’s victory was her 5th half-distance win of the year which includes a win at the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship in St. George, Utah and comes after a 2nd place finish at the 2015 Ironman 70.3 Worlds and a win at St. George 70.3 last year.
Men
Kevin Collington of the U.S. came 1st only 17 seconds ahead of 2nd Giulio Molinari of Italy and 3:16 over 3rd place Justin Metzler of the U.S., who closed fast with a race-best 1:15:13 half marathon. Collington’s win was his second of the year after victory at Ironman 70.3 Busan. He also took 3rd at Ironman Brazil, 4th at St. George 70.3 and 3rd at Ironman 70.3 Uruguay.
Results: Challenge Iceland
Professional Women
Heather Wurtele (CAN) – 4:24:00
Radka Vodickova (CZE) – 4:28:21
Haley Chura (USA) – 4:32:14
Professional Men
Kevin Collington (USA) – 4:00:15
Giulio Molinari (ITA) – 4:00:32
Justin Metzler (USA) – 4:03:31
