US’ Hoffman repeats win

Local favourite Kyle Buckingham (above) was delighted with his result at the weekend, despite missing the podium at the Ironman South Africa in Port Elizabeth.

American Ben Hoffman successfully defended his title, taking the lead on the 42km run leg and winning in 7:58:39.

Hoffman held off a determined challenge from German Nils Frommhold, who remained within touch throughout but eventually settled for second in 7:59:29.

With the annual event incorporating the Ironman African Championships, Buckingham was the best of the SA finishers.

Staying in contention on the 3.8km swim leg and the 180km bike ride, he set a career-best on the run, taking fourth in 8:08:57.

“I have never felt so good running in a marathon in my career and to pull off a time of 2:47 makes me even happier as this is my personal best,” Buckingham said.

Having finished third at the Ironman 70.3 race in East London in January, held over the half-ironman distance, the 33-year-old Eastern Cape star was pleased to build on his fine form.

He stepped on the podium at his home race for the second time after finishing second behind Frommhold in 2014.

Double world champion Daniela Ryf of Switzerland easily won the women’s race in 8:47:01.

Last year’s winner, Kaisa Lehtonen of Finland, earned second place in 8:52:24, and Britain’s Susie Cheetham finished third, stepping on the podium for the third year in a row.