It was a duel of triathlon giants: Two-time world champion Jan Frodeno against reigning world champion Patrick Lange. After 8 hours and 58 seconds Frodeno could decide this duel for himself, while the Hessian Patrick Lange fought his way to 3rd place behind the Swede Patrick Nilsson. In the women's race, Switzerland's Daniela Ryft caused a stir when she set a new course record with a time of 8:38:44 hours despite a slightly longer bike leg. American Sarah True made an impressive Ironman debut in second place (09:05:19), followed by last year's winner Sarah Crowley from Australia in third place. Best German was Anne Haug in fourth place.
About 3.000 athletes from all over the world met in the early hours of the morning at the Langener Waldsee, where the starting gun was fired for the 3.8km swim, which Frodeno completed in 48 minutes and 42 seconds and Ryft in 53 minutes and 11 seconds. This was followed by the 185km bike course, where the triathletes were cheered on by thousands of fans. Especially at the selected hot spots, such as the legendary "Heartbreak Hill" in Bad Vilbel, the Old Bridge in Frankfurt or the Elvis Presley Square in Friedberg, many onlookers gathered in bright sunshine to cheer on the Ironmen and women.
The thrilling finale was then traditionally held on the banks of the Main, which was extremely well attended given the fantastic weather. Frodeno completed the 42.2km course in 2:39:06, while Ryft took 2:58:53 - always accompanied by loud applause and cheers from the good-humoured crowd. After the finish on the Römerberg, the winners were exhausted, but also relieved and very happy. Here the celebrations continued until late in the evening, because after all the participants had until 10pm to complete the running course.
We congratulate not only the happy winners, but all participants who have made this Ironman again a very big sporting event in Frankfurt and the region
