TRI247
Search
shop
SUPERTRI E TICKETS DISCOUNT & VIP COMPETITION
SUPERTRI E TICKETS DISCOUNT & VIP COMPETITION

#GBKona 2018: Umeke! The British Age-Group podium finishers in Hawaii

Which British Age-Group athletes made the podium at the 2018 IRONMAN World Championship - and collected the much coveted Umeke award? The full round-up.

Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
SHOP
Watch Potter, Brownlee & Beaugrand LIVE

#GBKona 2018 banner

Advertisement

British Age-Group podium finishers at the 2018 IRONMAN World Champs

For the vast majority, simply qualifying to race at the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii may be a lifetime goal. For a special few however, simply finishing under the brutal conditions that the Big Island presents is not enough – they are there to win.

We now take a look at the British Age-Group athletes made the podium in Kona, finishing in the top five of their division to receive the coveted Umeke trophies, the carved wooden bowls that are part of Hawaii tradition. Surely the most iconic awards in the sport, the higher you finish, the bigger the bowl you are presented with.


Advertisement

Ruth Purbrook: Winner F25-29 (9:33:47)

A member of Team Freespeed, Ruth Purbrook was in Hawaii for the second consecutive season. Third on her debut 12 months ago, we spoke to Ruth before the race and she was very clear that winning was her objective, “I have invested so much (mentally, emotionally, hours wise, financially!), that I want to see the hard work pay off.” Despite working 70 hours weeks, Ruth’s dedication got the result she aimed for.

It wasn’t easy however – from leading by 10 minutes starting the marathon, her advantage was reduced to less than three minutes with 7km remaining. She held strong though, eventually winning the F25-29 division by five minutes.

Ruth Purbrook - Umeke - IRONMAN World Championship 2018
Photo: Richard Melik / Team Freespeed

Elizabeth McTernan: Winner Hand-Cycle Division (14:21:13)

A previous World and European Championship Paratriathlon medallist, Elizabeth McTernan became only the second female hand-cycle finisher at Kona, 18 minutes quicker than the 14:39:14 time set by Minda Dentler (USA) in 2013.

https://www.facebook.com/HUUBDesign/videos/1096161127214037/

Jane Wiley: Second F60-64 (11:42:45)

Winner of the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championship in Fyn earlier this year, Jane Wiley was only one minute and nine seconds away from adding the Kona title to her C.V. While it was close at the end, she’s more than happy with her result – and finished one place ahead of the legendary Julie Moss.

“I’m really delighted… I only knew I was so close five miles from the finish… I was told I was 3:40 mins off, so upped my shuffle and closed the gap but should have started my sprint earlier. Who cares? I’m delighted!”

Paul Lunn: Third M45-49 (9:08:27)

The title of our pre-race interview with Paul was, “aiming for a bigger fruit bowl”, and that’s exactly what he got. Fifth last year on his debut, Paul returned to finish third this year. Even better news… he managed not to smash the Umeke during the after party this year!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo9ofz3Fr_7/

Maxine Mackinnon: Fourth F55-59 (11:19:43)

Maxine is no stranger to the Kona podium having finished third three years ago in the F55-59 category. She clocked 11:52:33 then, and this year going more than 30 minutes faster in the same category earned her fourth place and another Umeke award.

Martin Gannon: Fourth F60-64 (10:26:24)

Racing in Kona for the fourth time, Martin had previously finished 26th, 27th and 7th (2017). Less than one minute separated positions four, five and six at the finish, but Martin won that particular battle to take fourth place in the 60-64 division. Martin’s wife also raced – and finished 12th the the F55-59 category.

Martin Gannon (4th M60-64) - IRONMAN World Championship

#GBKona 2018 banner

13th April 2024 - London
Watch Potter, Brownlee & Beaugrand as these triathlon superstars take on the world in the build up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
LIMITED TICKETS - DON'T MISS OUT!
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Kyle Smith
Watt it takes to win at supertri E – a data dive into how deep the PROs have to dig
Arena Games Triathlon Finals Singapore - Beth Potter bike
The evolution of Esports in triathlon – How supertri brought virtual racing to the mainstream
Beth Potter Arena Games Triathlon Finals Singapore
Lightning fast splits and record breaking performances – relive some of the top moments from women’s supertri E racing
Lionel Sanders Arena Games Montreal game face on bike photo credit SLT
Countdown to supertri E – a look back at some of the most epic moments in men’s triathlon E racing
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
Brownlee brothers on the costly race day swim mistakes to avoid – plus their own mishaps
latest News
Mixed Team Relay France podium WTCS Sunderland 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon / Petko Beier
World Triathlon confirm initial nine teams to qualify for Paris Olympic Games Mixed Relay
Ruth Astle St George finish line 2022 photo credit Tom Pennington Getty Images for IRONMAN
British IRONMAN Champion on committing to professional triathlon and chasing a T100 Tour wildcard
Ben Kanute / Tom Bishop PTO European Open 2023 Ibiza
Former American Olympic triathlete shares the “s*** side of the sport” after Miami T100
Brownlee Fitness Marathon Training Plan
Brownlee overcomes road closure to record rapid run split at Northern Road Relays
Lucy Charles-Barclay comes home second at the Miami T100.
Lucy Charles-Barclay reveals injury struggle that almost kept her from competing in Miami T100
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...