With the day’s fastest run split and a masterful overall race, Newton Running pro athlete Craig Alexander claimed victory at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii on Saturday. After a second place finish at last year’s race, Alexander used a blistering run to finish three minutes ahead of Eneko Llanos of Spain.

“Craig has had an exceptional year and this is the icing on the cake,” states Newton Running president, Jerry Lee. “We’ve supported Craig since our company’s launch less than two years ago and we’re incredibly proud to be a part of his achievement in Kona.”

Alexander dominated an impressive men’s field consisting of Ironman World Champions such as Chris McCormack, Normann Stadler and Faris Al-Sultan. In the race, Alexander stayed with the lead group of men coming out of the water and stayed in the top ten on the 112-mile bike leg. When he laced up his Newton Distance S shoes for the marathon leg, Alexander was 8:30 behind the leader. Alexander then showcased his running prowess, averaging a 6:18 minute mile, eventually taking the lead at the halfway point turnaround. Alexander crossed the finish line in 8:17:45 after running a 2:45:00 marathon.

Alexander, 34, has been a professional triathlete for more than ten years and he spends half the year in his native Australia and the other half in Boulder, Colorado.

NBC will air the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship on December 13, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Please check your local listings for specific details.

Read more: http://www.pitchengine.com/newtonrunning/newton-athlete-craig-alexander-wins-ford-ironman-world-championships