Matt Hanson (USA) played to his strengths and unleashed his potent run on the field. Hitting the run course in fourth place and facing a 4:24 deficit was good news for Hanson who has run a sub 2:40 marathon in the past. It took the Hanson 10 miles to get to the front of the race; he was able to hold off a mid-race challenge mounted by a persistent IRONMAN rookie Kennett Peterson (USA) to take his fifth IRONMAN title.
Lauren Brandon (USA) was untouchable on the swim and bike that saw the American carry a 30-minute advantage on her closest rival starting the marathon. Brandon was solid on the run as well and recorded her first IRONMAN win in a course record time of 9:09:09.
Men's Podium
1 Hanson, Matt USA 7:57:03
2 Peterson, Kennett USA 8:01:35
3 O'Donnell, Tim USA 8:09:37
Women's Podium
1 Brandon, Lauren USA 9:09:09
2 Smith, Lesley USA 9:26:12
3 Mack, Danielle USA 9:32:08