Buffalo Springs Lake
It's an event that is considered superb preparation for the heat and humidity located in Hawaii for the Ford Ironman World Championship, which of course could be seen as part of the reason why Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake has become such a mainstay on the Ironman circuit for so many years.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the race, which has attracted 1,400 competitors, many of whom will be after one of the 28 qualifying slots for the Ford Ironman World Championship or one of the 50 spots up for grabs for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater. For the pros there's a $25,000 prize purse, but getting some of that money will of course be a challenge as once again Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake has attracted an exceedingly competitive field.
The women's pro race might be exceedingly competitive since it includes Ironman and Ironman 70.3 stars like Desiree Ficker, Joanna Lawn and Heather Gollnick. Cameron Brown is making a rare appearance in North America rather than his usual late June/ early July Ironman race in Germany. Brown will take on a number of fast 70.3 competitors including Paul Amey as the pros take on both the fast field and the tough conditions that makes Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake such a tough event.
On the 20th anniversary of the Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake, Mother Nature chose to switch things up. Known for its extreme heat and winds many athletes arrive in Lubbock to race on this course in preparation for the Ford Ironman World Championships. This year, however, rain, cool temperatures and wind greeted the competitors at the start line. In honor of the celebration, race directors Mike and Marti Greer invited Mike Reilly, the voice or Ironman, to join them in Lubbock to announce the race. Part way through the day, Mike posted the following message on Facebook. “In the tower working Buffalo Springs 70.3 right now. Hard rain is at present gone actually a cool day in Lubbock Tx.”
All in all, it was a tough day. It began with at the very least 10 to 15 mph winds and they got stronger as the day progressed. According to one official, many runners were pulled from the water due to the choppy conditions. Luckily, the rain let up just as the men took to the run course.
The men’s race was a nail-biter right through the bike ride. Two small groups came out of the water and then in on the bike as well. Paul Mathews and Leon Griffin were within two minutes of each other right through T2, but Mathews had that extra gear on the run propelling him to the line in 4:01:26. Griffin was not far behind, finishing in 4:03:02. Third place went to Simon Thompson (4:05:54) who clocked a 1:16:12 half-marathon, the fastest of the pro men.