Ramo, Kniazev rule Ironman full distance in Subic

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Filipina Leyann Ramo and Bulgarian Maksim Kniazev ruled the grueling 2026 Century Tuna IRONMAN Philippines, emerging as the overall champions in the full-distance race held Sunday, June 7, in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Both athletes powered through the demanding conditions of the 3.8-kilometer swim, 180-kilometer bike, and 42-kilometer marathon run to claim top honors in their respective divisions.

Ramo, a three-time Ironman 70.3 champion, stamped a rare breakthrough by conquering her first full-distance Ironman attempt. The 33-year-old Lanao del Norte native clocked 12 hours, 3 minutes, and 45 seconds en route to the women’s crown.

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She posted splits of 1:06:19 in the swim, 6:28:54 on the bike, and 4:17:03 in the marathon. Despite the punishing distance, Ramo crossed the finish line smiling, underscoring a composed and steady debut in the 226-kilometer race.

Kimberly Paquibot finished second in the women’s category in 12:31:21, while Jennifer Aimee Uy took third in 13:34:37.

Bulgarian claims men’s crown

In the men’s race, Kniazev delivered a strong all-around performance to finish in 9:04:50. The Bulgarian veteran split 58:20 in the swim, 4:38:35 on the bike, and 3:21:23 in the run.

Germany’s Christian Haupt placed second in 9:09:58, followed by Australia’s Ryan Miller in 9:19:04.

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The first Filipino finisher was Mervin Santiago, who completed the race in 9:51:46.

Benedicto rules Ironman 70.3

In the half-distance race, or IRONMAN 70.3, veteran triathlete August Benedicto showed he remains a force to reckon with, ruling the men’s division of the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 Subic Bay.

The 42-year-old delivered a strong performance to claim his latest title since his previous victory in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Benedicto finished in 4:40:38, edging Russian former pro Ilya Fedorov, who came in at 4:41:50. Iceland’s Geir Omarsson completed the podium in 4:44:49.

Filipino Clement John Vergara placed fourth in 4:55:10, followed by Ireland’s Luke Prendergast in fifth at 4:55:53, and Great Britain’s Anthony Cunningham in sixth at 4:56:08.

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