Search
shop

Hoffman and Livesey win Patagonman XTRI in challenging conditions

Ben Hoffmann (USA) and Caroline Livesey (GBR) took the wins at the Patagonman XTRI in Chile
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

The Patagonman, once described by triathlon legend Tim Don as “the hardest and one of the most special races I’ve ever done”, took place on December 4th, with Ben Hoffman of the United States and Caroline Livesey of the United Kingdom victorious in truly testing conditions.

Advertisement

Chilean Navy ensure swim goes ahead

Ben Hoffman and Caroline Livesey Patagonman XTRI
Hoffman and Livesey were all smiles afterwards [Photo credit: Patagonman XTRI]

In keeping with the traditional test of toughness that some of the hardest triathlons in the world begin with, athletes competing in the Patagonman start by jumping off a ferry into the Aysen Fjord, in temperatures of just over ten degrees celsius.

Due to the extreme weather conditions on Sunday, which saw winds of up to 40 knots and strong currents in the fjord, the swim was shortened to 2km, thanks to what the race director Ignacio Valdivieso called “an extreme protocol with the Chilean Navy”.

[Credit – The Brick Session (@thebricksession)]

After swimming the 2km to Puerto Chacabuco before sunrise, the international field headed out on the bike to Villa Cerro Castillo, in weather conditions which showed no signs of relenting.

As well as dealing with long stints of riding straight into a block headwind, accompanied by the typical Patagonian combination of wind and rain, the competitors had to navigate four sections of non-tarmac surfaces, including gravel, before dismounting their bikes and heading out on the run at Cerro Castillo.

Out on the run, eventual winners Hoffman and Caroline Livesey tackled one of the hardest marathons in the sport, especially after that ride, to ring the bell at the finish line and take home the champion’s “boina”, a local Patagonian beret.

In the men’s race, Kevin Jervis (USA) was second followed by Scott Whittlestone (GBR) in third, with the women’s podium rounded out by Maggie Rusch (GBR) and Saleta Castro (ESP).

What the winners had to say

After the race, both winners took to Instagram to sing their praises of the event, with Hoffmann first addressing the conditions, especially on the bike, stating: “It was an incredibly challenging ride with strong winds, bits of cold rain and lots of climbing.”

The former IRONMAN World Championship podium finisher, who won IRONMAN Texas earlier this year, added that the race was “incredible on every level, from the organisation, landscape, weather conditions, my support team, and the emotional finish line” – high praise from an athlete who has experienced the heights of long course triathlon.

Women’s winner Livesey shared similar sentiments, saying: “The organisation did a fantastic job both before the race and during. They really are an amazing team of passionate people who are truly invested in delivering the best possible experience for the athletes.”

The Brit, an experienced XTRI racer, also noted the incredibly tough weather, recounting that “it was a day of extremely challenging conditions with gusts of wind that nearly took me off my bike and were even scary on the run”, but acknowledged that “it’s Patagonia”, which is a large part of what attracts people to the race to begin with.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Kristian Blummenfelt IRONMAN Texas Fans 2025
IRONMAN Texas 2025: Kristian Blummenfelt survived cramping scare in sensational win
Alex Yee London Marathon 2025
London Marathon results 2025: Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee ACES huge new challenge
Kat Matthews IRONMAN Texas Finish Line 2025
IRONMAN Texas results 2025: Britain’s Kat Matthews AMAZING as she beats Taylor Knibb in blistering record time
Kristian Blummenfelt IRONMAN Texas Finish Line 2025
IRONMAN Texas results 2025: Kristian Blummenfelt is BACK with a sensational win and an incredible time
Alistair Brownlee Ben Rothery Three Peaks Race 2025
Olympic triathlon great Alistair Brownlee grabs terrific podium in iconic Three Peaks Race
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...