Karen Smith won the 45-49 age group in Ironman 70.3 Puerto Rico yesterday, clocking an overall time of 5hr 04min 31sec to qualify for the World Championship later this year.

Smith, 48, had a time of 31.15 for the 1.2 mile swim before completing the 19.3 mile bike ride in 2:43.18 and the 13-mile run in 1:43.49. to lead home all competitors in her age group.

Chattanooga, Tennessee will host the 2017 Ironman 70.3 World Championship, a two-day event to be held on September 9 and 10. The professional and age-group women will race on the Saturday and the professional and age-group men the day after.