Let me be clear from the outset, as we always do in these cases, that in triathlon records are relative and have purely symbolic value, since the distances of the different events are not exact nor officially standardized.
Although, on this occasion, we can affirm with greater certainty that the record signed by Magnus Ditlev of 7:19:17 in Florida this Saturday can be considered the best in history for both an IRONMAN race and long distance, as the courses, according to data logged on Strava by some participants, included the respective 3,800 meters of swimming, 180 km of cycling, and 42 km of running.
Thus, the Danish athlete swam in 47:52, covered the cycling segment in 3:51:16 and ran the marathon in 2:33:31 to clock an incredible finish time of 7:19:17
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With his time of 7:19:17, Magnus Ditlev reduces by almost two minutes the 7:21:12 mark achieved by Kristian Blummenfelt in the IRONMAN Cozumel in 2021, where swimming is done with a highly favorable current and the bike course does not reach 180 km. He also improves upon the 7:21:24 of the Norwegian at this year’s IRONMAN Texas, and Sam Laidlow’s 7:21:04 at the Roth Challenge last July (7:21:04).
The Danish triathlete resurges after his DNF at the IRONMAN World Championship held in Hawaii less than a month ago. There, in the “mecca,” he led a large part of the race, but succumbed in the marathon. In Florida, this Saturday, he delivered another showcase. This time, with the best possible ending.
In addition to the overall course record, he also leaves behind another record in the cycling segment by completing the 180 km in 3:51:16
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Marathon in 2:33
The clocking of the chrono-equipped bike did not take its toll on Ditlev. He began the marathon with a lead of more than 11 minutes… and, as the broadcast footage of the event shows, with a sizable stash of fueling on his chest.
His cushion not only did not shrink, but continued to grow as the kilometers passed. The rest is history: a marathon in 2:33 and a photo for the history books.
They will also remember the moment for his two American podium teammates: Rudy Von Berg, silver with 7:33:25; and Matt Hanson, bronze with a superb marathon in 2:28:07 and a finish time of 7:35:48
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Marathon in 2:33
The performance on the time-trial bike did not take its toll on Ditlev. He started the marathon with an advantage of more than 11 minutes… and, as seen in the broadcast footage of the event, with a substantial supply of fueling on his chest.
His margin not only held, but continued to grow as the kilometers wore on. The rest is history: a 2:33 marathon and a photo to last a lifetime.
They will also remember the moment for his two American podium companions: Rudy Von Berg, silver with 7:33:25; and Matt Hanson, bronze with a superb marathon in 2:28:07 and a finish time of 7:35:48
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