Hot action from 2011 Ironman World Championships

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Monday, 10 October 2011 07:27

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High temperatures, high performance at Kona

The heat was out in force on Saturday, 8 October at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. This didn't stop records being broken, with the favourites showing their mettle.

Women's result: Chrissie Wellington (Great Britain) won her fourth Ironman World Championship in 8:55:07, ahead of Mirinda Carfrae (Australia), just under three minutes behind (8:57:57) and Leanda Cave (9:03:21). The victory is even more remarkable given that Wellington was involved in a bad crash during the build up to the race, affecting her final training preparations.

In the men's race, Craig Alexander (Australia) set a new World Championship course record of 8:03:08 (bettering the old record by 12 seconds). Compatriot Pete Jacobs was second in 8:09:11, with German's Andreas Raelert third in 8:11:07.

The 38-year-old Alexander completed the 3.8km open water surf swim in 51mins, 180km torturous bike ride in 4hr 24mins and 42km full marathon in 2hrs 44mins.

He now becomes the third person in the race's history to win three times and the most accomplished Australian. Alexander also becomes the first person in history to win the World Half Ironman and Ironman World titles in the same year following his record breaking season in the US.