The 2023 Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow took the men’s victory in front of a packed crowd at the first Ironman Leeds event, offering plenty of inspiration for anyone thinking of training for an Ironman event.
Here are some early photos from the event, which saw athletes take on a 3.8km lake swim in Roundhay Park, a 700-acre park, just three miles away from Leeds City Centre.
Athletes prepare for the Ironman Leeds swim in Roundhay Park. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN
They then embarkarked on a 112-mile (180km) bike course up into the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. Athletes rode the same paths as the famous 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart route, with approximately 2500m elevation gain.
Athletes compete in the bike section on the already iconic ‘Wrestlers Hill’ during Ironman Leeds. Credit: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN
Finally, there was a 26.2-mile (42.2km) run on multi-lap course around Roundhay Park and scenic surrounding areas.
Sam Laidlow (FRA) competes in the run section during Ironman Leeds. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN
The win in the pro men’s race was taken by 2023 Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow (FRA), who finished in 8:10:08. In second was Nathan Guerbeur (FRA) in 08:24:43 with Harry Palmer (GBR) third in 08:28:42.
With no pro women’s field at this race, the first female across the line was GB age-grouper Adele Martin, in a time of 11:01:09.
Sam Laidlow (C) of France 1st, Nathan Gruerbeur (L) of France 2nd and Harry Palmer of Great Britain 3rd on the podium of Ironman Leeds. Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN
Lead image: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN