Wurf running hot for Hawaiian Ironman

EVERYONE knows Tasmanian Cameron Wurf can out-ride the best — now he’s out to prove he can run with them as well.

Wurf will be an intriguing factor in Sunday’s Hawaiian Ironman triathlon world championships.

A year ago, in his first attempt at the race as a professional, the former pro cyclist blitzed the 180km bike leg in a course-record time of 4 hours 18 min 54secs.

That gave him the race lead for the start of the marathon run. But given the former Olympic rower had only seriously targeted Kona for a few months, it was no surprise that he faded to 17th.

Wurf has ramped up his preparations this year, competing in six Ironman-distance triathlons. Most top professionals will only do one or two before Hawaii, but there is method to this madness, with Wurf teaching his body how to run on tired legs.

After only managing a 3:19 at Kona last year, Wurf has run a couple of sub-three-hour marathons in Ironman events.

If he can marry that running improvement with his scorching bike talent — and limit his losses in the opening 3.8km swim leg — Wurf could become a contender.

“It’s been a 12-month focus for this and everything has gone to plan, so I’m ready to go,” Wurf said.

“We backed ourselves that it would come together after a block of work like that … we’re on the right rack.”