Stunning Wins For Sam Long and Jeanni Metzler at Ironman 70.3 North American Championship in St. George

Why it matters: Ironman 70.3 North American Championship St. George is a prestigious event, attracting some of the top triathletes from the USA and around the world.

Setting the pace: The race took place in Southwestern Utah and the Greater Zion region, featuring a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run.

What they are saying:

• Sam Long on his victory: "This win feels amazing, especially after last year's frustration."
• Jeanni Metzler on her performance: "I wasn't sure how it would go, but I'm thrilled with the result."

By the numbers:

• Sam Long completed the swim in 00:25:27, the bike in 02:02:33, and the run in 01:12:42
• Jeanni Metzler finished the swim in 00:25:56, the bike in 02:24:01, and the run in 01:23:35
• Men's second place, Trevor Foley, completed the race in 3:45:27
• Women's second place, Skye Moench, finished with a time of 4:17:42

Between transition: Sam Long won the men's race with a time of 3:43:05, while Jeanni Metzler secured the women's victory with a time of 4:16:42.

Through Time: Sam Long's win follows a frustrating start to the season and a contentious penalty in the previous year's race. Jeanni Metzler finished as runner-up in the 2021 St. George Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

The bottom line: The return of Ironman 70.3 North American Championship in St. George showcased remarkable performances by Sam Long and Jeanni Metzler, who claimed victories in the men's and women's races, respectively. The event also welcomed more than 1,600 athletes from around the world, making it a significant international competition.