Defending champion, Germany’s Patrick Lange headlines the Elite Field in the world’s most iconic single-day sporting event; 40th Anniversary celebration of the original IRONMAN event showcasing ultimate test of body and mind.
Triathlon's top professional talent will assemble at the start line in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i for the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship brought to you by Amazon, taking place on October 13. The most iconic one-day endurance event in the world will bring together a highly regarded and competitive professional field, headlined by defending Champion Lange.
"This is a monumental year for IRONMAN as we celebrate four decades of racing at the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawai'i," said Andrew Messick, President & Chief Executive Officer of IRONMAN. "We look forward not only to honoring the historic professional performances from years past, but also showcasing the ever-growing international triathlete talent that will be on full display."
Also in the field is Bermuda’s Tyler Butterfield, Lange will seek his second win in Kona, where he holds a course-best time of 8:01:40 from his win in 2017, as well as the marathon run-course best time of 2:39:45, set in 2016 when he finished third.
Also competing for the title is Lionel Sanders, who led the race last year through mile 23 of the marathon before giving way to Lange and ultimately earning second. Sebastian Kienle, the 2014 IRONMAN World Champion, placed fourth in the 2017 IRONMAN World Championship and will be looking for another title after just missing the podium last year.
Meanwhile last year’s third-place finisher David McNamee looks to follow the trajectory of Lange, moving from a third-place finish to becoming a world champion the following year.
|
