Jesse Thomas Wins Ironman Debut, Anja Baranek Dominates In Wales

American Jesse Thomas earned an Ironman title in his first attempt at the distance, while German Anja Baranek—who is fresh off of finishing third at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships—dominated the women’s race today at Ironman Wales in Pembrokeshire on what is known for being one of the tougher courses on the Ironman circuit.

Men’s Race
Thomas was third out of the swim (54:20 split), second off of the bike (5:03:28 split) and first at the finish line thanks to an impressive 2:52:19 marathon on the very hilly run course. He was the only athlete on the day to go under nine hours, crossing the finish line with an emotional 8:57:33 victory. Croatia’s Andrej Vistica turned in a nearly identical marathon split (2:52:18) to run his way from third off of the bike to second at the finish line in 9:03:09. Germany’s Markus Thomschke was Thomas’ main competition for most of the day and he ultimately finished in third at 9:14:52.

Women’s Race
Baranek was dominant on the swim and bike today in Wales, putting her out front all alone for the majority of the race. She put together a 54:26 swim, a 5:30:15 bike and a 3:23:16 marathon to take the win in 9:56:31. The Netherlands’ Tineke Van Den Berg was a distance second at 10:28:22, with Germany’s Konschak rounding out a close race for the two final podium spots in 10:29:55.

2015 Ironman Wales
Pembrokeshire, Wales – Sept. 13, 2015
2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run

Men
1. Jesse Thomas (USA) 8:57:33
2. Andrej Vistica (CRO) 9:03:09
3. Markus Thomschke (GER) 9:14:52
4. Gudmund Snilstveit (NOR) 9:22:15
5. Harry Wiltshire (GBR) 9:31:33

Women
1. Anja Baranek (GER) 9:56:31
2. Tineke Van Den Berg (NED) 10:28:22
3. Katja Konschak (GER) 10:29:55
4. Tine Holst (DEN) 10:32:11
5. Emma Pooley (GBR) 10:38:41