Chrissie Wellington smashed women's Ironman triathlon world record in Challenge Roth today with 8:31:59. British 'iron maiden' swam 3.8K in 50:28, ran through T1 in 2:10, biked 180K in 4:40:28, went through T2 in 1:23, and finished with a 2:57:32 marathon.
Ironman women's world record has improved considerably in a year or so. During the past 15 years, it remained unbroken until last summer:
- Paula Newby-Fraser, 8:50:24, Ironman Europe (Roth), 1994
- Sandra Wallenhorst, 8:47:26, Ironman Austria, 2008
- Yvonne Van Vlerken, 8:45:48, Challenge Roth, 2008
- Chrissie Wellington, 8:31:59, Challenge Roth, 2009.
Without a doubt Roth provides one of the fastest Ironman courses, with the swim in a pool-like canal, the bike through nice country roads and the run on excellent dirt paths. Also the enthusiastic audience and professional race organization play a big part in the success of the event. I've done it three times, and really enjoyed myself. Now that the main sponsor Quelle is in trouble, let's hope the event will be able to continue in the future.
Congrats Chrissie!
2 comments:
Wholly molly!!! She was what, 3rd overall?
No, 19 guys finished faster (Michael Göhner won in 7:55:53), so Wellinator was 20th overall. She looked like running relaxed after setting the bike course record for women. I bet she could have gone faster, but was being smart and saved some strength for forthcoming races like Hawaii.
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