Canadian Gillian Clayton and American Matthew Russell both posted the fastest marathons on their way to winning their first Ironman titles at the 30th Ironman Canada.

Clayton, from Vancouver, took over the race lead by the halfway point of the marathon and finished with the top run of 3:17:08, taking the pro women’s victory in 9:46:07. North Vancouver’s Karen Thibodeau took second (9:50:52), and Penticton’s Janelle Morrison completed the top three (9:53:20) as she continues to impress in her comeback year after a near death car accident.

Age grouper Kendra Lee, 32, of Denver, Colorado, had the fastest women’s time of the day (9:44:58).

After finishing third just one week ago at Ironman Mont-Tremblant, Russell came from behind to win today. Heading out of T2 down 12 minutes, Russell ran the only sub-3 hr marathon (2:53:34) to earn his first Ironman victory in 8:48:30. Penticton’s Olly Piggin followed next for second (8:54:17), and Germany’s Christian Brader grabbed third (8:58:59).

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Top 5 Pro Men

1 8:48:30 Matthew Russell USA

2 8:54:17 Olly Piggin CAN

3 8:58:59 Christian Brader GER

4 9:02:07 Anthony Toth CAN

5 9:03:53 Shanon Stallard NZL

Top 5 Pro Women

1 9:46:07 Gillian Clayton CAN

2 9:50:52 Karen Thibodeau CAN

3 9:53:20 Janelle Morrison CAN

4 10:04:07 Paolina Allan CAN

5 10:06:34 Alexis Smith USA

A Note from the WTC regarding Ironman Canada

IRONMAN Volunteers and Athletes,

IRONMAN is saddened to confirm that Penticton, Canada, has chosen to not move forward as the host for the 2013 edition of IRONMAN® Canada. We hoped that IRONMAN Canada would continue in the City of Penticton, which has served as the host of the race for 30 years, and that the relationship between IRONMAN and the city would continue indefinitely.

As IRONMAN continues to finalize details, we would like to offer the following opportunity for 2012 IRONMAN Canada volunteers, as well as all athletes who have previously raced IRONMAN Canada:

IRONMAN is aggressively pursuing multiple options, as our goal is to have IRONMAN Canada in 2013. By clicking here, volunteers and athletes will be put on a preferred registration list for the new IRONMAN Canada, tentatively slated for late August/early September 2013. Please note: you must complete the entire process and click “submit” to confirm your place on the registration list. Access to this link is available for a limited period of time, between Aug. 25 at noon PT and Aug. 30 at midnight PT. The preferred list will give volunteers and athletes one week (in advance of general proposed registration) to sign up for the new IRONMAN Canada event. Additional race and registration details will be announced during the week of the 2012 IRONMAN World Championship, which takes place on Oct. 13.

IRONMAN is pursuing multiple unique venue options for the new IRONMAN Canada race and is excited to build upon the long-standing tradition of IRONMAN Canada as one of the most iconic races in the global IRONMAN Series. The new race, tentatively scheduled for late August/early September 2013, will feature double the amount of age group slots for the IRONMAN World Championship, an increase from 50 to 100 slots, as well as an increase in KPR points and prize money for professional athletes.

As an additional race option, general entry for IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant, IRONMAN Coeur d’Alene, and Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas is also still available. Visit www.ironman.com to register.

Thank you for your continued support of IRONMAN, and we hope to see you at another IRONMAN race soon! If you have any questions, please contact Canada@ironman.com.