Weekly roundup of world briefs

IRONMAN Israel competition draws 2,500 competitors

(JNS) — Patrick Lange of Germany took first place in the IRONMAN Israel-Middle East Championship in Tiberias on Friday, with a personal best time of 07:42:00. In the women’s pro category, Ruth Astle from Great Britain finished first, with a time of 08:41:13.

The event featured two races: a full distance one and a shorter race. The full distance race included a 2.3 mile swim in the Sea of Galilee, a 111-mile bike ride and a 26-mile run.

More than 800 Israeli and 400 international athletes competed in the full-distance race, while 1,500 Israelis...