All eyes were on seasoned contenders like Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN) and Dieter Comhair (BEL). However, it was Harrett’s strategic and powerful performance that stole the spotlight.
The men’s race began with a first group of 10 emerging from the first swim lap, but as the athletes transitioned onto their bikes, the event started to unfold with unexpected twists. Early swim leader Fabian Alessandro sadly withdrew due to mechanical issues, leaving the race for Luke Pollard (GBR), Tom Vaelen (BEL), and eventually, the strongly dominating
Kristian Høgenhaug (DEN).
Despite a challenging 1,400m elevation gain on the bike course, the former Long-Distance World Champion, Høgenhaug, returning from injury, surged ahead in the final lap, setting the stage for an intense run.
As the race transitioned into the five-lap run within the Anfi del Mar Resort, Høgenhaug initially appeared quite strong. However, Iestyn Harrett closed the gap and overtook Høgenhaug in a nail-biting chase, eventually stretching a 20-second lead to secure his victory. Høgenhaug finished second with a time of 3:45:29, while Mikel Ramos Ugarte (ESP) completed the podium in 3:46:36.
In the after-race interview, Harrett said he struggled a little bit on the bike, but he knew he had good chances on the run. ´I just chipped off bit by bit and when I did catch, I caught quick and made a big gap straight away.
During the final half marathon, Lagownik took a commanding lead over her competitors from the start and continued to widen the gap.
Lagownik, with a phenomenal race, secured her first professional victory at the Anfi Challenge Mogán Gran Canaria in time of 4:15:36. Behind her, German athletes Rebecca Robisch claimed the second position, crossing the finish line in 4:19:21, while Leonie Konczalla clinched the third spot with a time of 4:20:26.
Iestyn Harrett – https://youtu.be/qX6JlK8WQsY?si=PfYKfZ-3b2QqygQf
Marta Lagownik – https://youtu.be/u78oIhVUzLM?si=82JwwtvwnW6YBVNl