Kimberley Morrison savours the ‘magic’ moment after victory at Ironman 70.3 Texas
Kimberley Morrison crosses the finish line at Ironman 70.3 Texas. Picture: @TriathlonKim on Twitter - Credit: @TriathlonKim on Twitter
Kimberley Morrison battled through the pain to earn her 'overwhelming' moment when crossing the finish line to win Ironman 70.3 Texas.
Kimberley Morrison crosses the finish line at Ironman 70.3 Texas. Picture: @TriathlonKim on Twitter - Credit: @TriathlonKim on Twitter
The 29-year-old, from Bale, near Fakenham, was three minutes behind home favourite Lauren Brandon after the 1.9km swim but turned that into a seven-minute lead by the end of the 90km cycle.
Morrison's effort of two hours, 10 minutes and 38 seconds was eight minutes faster than any other woman and less than five minutes slower than men's race winner Mauricio Mendes.
Having finished second at Ironman 70.3 Buenos Aires three weeks earlier, Morrison finished with a 1:33.21 half marathon for a total time of 04:15.40 hours.
'Racing in America was a first for us and we had great expectations for a very atmospheric race,' Morrison said.
Kimberley Morrison in action at Ironman 70.3 Texas. Picture: @TriathlonKim on Twitter - Credit: @TriathlonKim on Twitter
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'We have family living in America and it was very special for them to share this win in the seaside town of Galveston, Texas. We are delighted and overwhelmed with the Texas win, the race holds great prestige.'
Morrison took the lead around the 22-mile mark on the cycle leg but still had a hot and humid half marathon to contend with.
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'The run was three laps and the first lap was excellent, I was on my desired pace and extended my lead slightly by 30 seconds,' she explained. 'The second lap was getting a little tougher and my body was consumed by pain, lots of pain, everywhere.
'Onto the final lap and yes now I could believe, a gap of over six minutes. I ran the final lap with a massive smile but didn't stop pushing.. the finish line couldn't come soon enough, I was so excited to share the moment with the family at the finish line.
'Crossing that finish line and holding the winners tape is what we strive for each and every day. The emotion is so overwhelming when it comes to light there is a real sense of magic!'
Next up for Morrison is Challenge Samorin, in Slovakia, in June as she continues building towards the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Chattanooga, Tennessee in September.
