Completing a 226km IRONMAN for the first time is a big deal for most athletes, but Subaru’s brand ambassador Hannah Wells upped the stakes to win the Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand on debut yesterday.
Wells took out her inaugural IRONMAN title, after emerging from Lake Taupo second in the 3.8km swim - five minutes behind fellow Kiwi triathlete Rebecca Clarke. Tauranga-based Wells had planned to make up the time on the 180km bike leg and she certainly executed that game plan to perfection. Heading out onto the 42.2km run she had a lead of more than six minutes and stretched that out further to finish nearly 14 minutes ahead of Clarke in 9hours:01mins:49secs.
After the uncertainty of whether IRONMAN New Zealand would run after its postponement due to the COVID-19 Alert Levels three weeks ago, Wells was overwhelmed by being able to pull off this incredible achievement.
“This means so much, I can’t even put it into words. Huge thanks to the organisers who have been through many changes, and to my sponsors and family,” Wells says.
“I had a plan and I wanted to stick to it. I just wanted to execute my best race. There were always going to be surprises and tough moments,” she says.
“I had a rough swim and the second half of the marathon was tough but I’m really stoked to make it to the finish line. I’d like to have another go; I think I can do better. This event is amazing and hopefully I can compete in Cairns in June depending on travel circumstances.”
Subaru of New Zealand’s Marketing Manager Daile Stephens says: “The whole Subaru team is hugely proud of Hannah and this result is the ultimate reward for her absolute dedication to her profession and all the hard work she puts in.”
“Hannah is such a great fit for our Subaru brand, which is all about encouraging Kiwis to get out and do more. She certainly epitomised that yesterday, winning her first-ever IRONMAN-length race!” Mrs Stephens concludes.
Wells can be seen out and about around the Bay of Plenty in her Subaru XV as she swims, bikes and runs her way through her training programme every week.
IRONMAN NEW ZEALAND RESULTS
PRO WOMEN
Hannah Wells, NZL, 9:01:49
Rebecca Clarke, NZL, 9:15:38
Emily McNaughtan, NZL, 9:38:42
Melanie Burke, NZL, 10:05:12
Catherine Pattison
Public Relations
Subaru of New Zealand
M +64 (0)27 44 55 389
E catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz