Buffalo Springs is known for its brutal conditions. With high temps and strong winds, Buffalo Springs is rated as one of the toughest 70.3 races in the country. But somebody forgot to tell Mother Nature this year.

On the 20th anniversary of the Ironman 70.3 Buffalo Springs Lake, rain and cool temperatures greeted the triathletes yesterday. And taking advantage of the moderate temperatures were two women from Austin: Amy Marsh and Kelly Williamson.

The two pros dominated ther women's division with Marsh edging out Williamson by less than 90 seconds to win her first major race of the season. Marsh used a good swim to come out of the water just a few seconds off the lead but her strong cycling opened up a big gap on the field. Marsh, a collegiate swimmer at Minnesota, then ran 1:29:52 for the half marathon to win in 4:33:36. Williamson actually had a faster run (1:26:17) than Marsh, but couldn't make up the six-minute gap. Williamson placed second in 4:35:02. Joanna Lawn was third in 4:36:37.

The men's race was also close. Paul Mathews of Boulder and Leon Griffin were within two minutes of each other through the bike, but Mathews had the better run to win in 4:01:25 with Griffin next in 4:03:02 and Simon Thompson third in 4:05:54. Brandon Marsh of Austin was right behind in fourth in 4:06:53 with Patrick Evoe of Austin 10th in 4:15:49.

Former UT All American Joe Thorne, in just his second year in the triathlon, placed 12th overall in 4:16:45 with Vince Dretsch of Austin 19th in 4:24:54. Derek Yorek, in his first Half Ironman was 23rd in 4:27:49.

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