Manuel Diaz, Sophie Chevrier win Ironman 70.3 Arizona triathlon titles

Manuel Diaz of Phoenix won Ironman 70.3 Arizona on Sunday, the first half Ironman title for the native Spaniard.

Diaz covered the Tempe course (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) in 4 hours, 18 minutes, 44 seconds, well ahead of runner-up David Guenthardt (4:23.18) of Switzerland, who lives in Gilbert. George Hoffman was third (4:23.30).

Sophie Chevrier of Scottsdale, a native of Switzerland, was the women's winner in 4:37.28. Lauren Bondly was second (4:59.53) and Pamela Staton third (5:00.03).

Ironman 70.3 Arizona is an age-group race. Ironman Arizona, coming up Nov. 24, is a full Ironman with a professional women's division.

Diaz moved up one place from second in 2018. "It took me one whole year to figure this out," he said. "It's one of my biggest sport accomplishments of my life so far. I'm coming from a running background, but I've been working on triathlon only for almost four years. This is my second year trying 70.3." 

The 37-year-old plans to move up to a full Ironman in hope of qualifying for the World Championships.

Chevrier, 42, also was the women's winner in 2017. Her husband Philippe Chevrier was fifth among the men (4:24.43).

Reach the reporter at jeff.metcalfe@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8053. Follow him on Twitter @jeffmetcalfe.

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