Nearly 2,500 athletes, from age 18 to 32, began the thirteenth edition of Ford Ironman Florida. Top professionals Ronnie Schildknecht (CHE) finished the triathlon in 7:59:42 and Jessica Jacobs (USA) finished in 8:55:10, each setting course records in Panama City Beach.
Professional Men’s Results
After the morning swim, John Flanagan (USA), was the first to exit the water, followed by James Bonney (USA). Flanagan was in the lead until the 35-mile marker, where competitors, including Schildknecht, made a charge and overtook the American’s lead. Schildknecht, who is known for his running abilities, expanded his lead on the last leg of the course with an amazing 2:43:48 run split, and became the first male to finish in under eight hours in a North American Ironman event.
Top five professional men’s results are below:
1. Ronnie Schildknecht CHE 7:59:42
2. Maxim Kriat UKR 8:10:43
3. Justin Daerr USA 8:18:02
4. Mads Vittrup DEN 8:21:31
5. Frank Vytrisal DEU 8:21:48
Professional Women’s Results
Bree Wee (USA) was the first professional female to run onto the beach after the 2.4-mile swim, followed by Sofie Goos (BEL) and Heidi Jesberger (DEU). A windy bike course tested many of the female professionals. The defending champion made a charge for the lead around mile four of the run. Jacobs sealed her victory with a 2:53:27 run split, setting a new course record and sealing her back-to-back championships.
Top five professional women’s results are below: 
1. Jessica Jacobs USA 8:55:10
2. Mackenzie Madison USA 9:10:21
3. Sofie Goos BEL 9:22:21
4. Kim Loeffler USA 9:29:07
5. Stephanie Jones USA 9:33:45
Congratulations to Jessica Jacobs, Ronnie Schildknecht, and all of the other Ironman participants who competed in this weekend’s Ford Ironman Florida!
PCBDaily 