Hannah Pace on top form to break National Ironman Distance Record

National Triathlon Champion, Hannah Pace yesterday, once again made headlines and made Malta proud, when she was the youngest Maltese female to complete an Ironman race (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run) and break the long standing National Record in the process, clocking a time of 10 hours 20 minutes and taking third place on her Age Group podium.

This result comes only a few weeks after having claimed Silver in the European Triathlon Union Championships in Tartu, Estonia in the Standard Distance (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run).

Pace took part in the KMD Ironman Race in Copenhagen on Sunday, competing in a field of over 2,000 athletes. Although Pace has built up considerable years of experience in racing, this is the first time that she tackled this distance.

Her result on Sunday has seen her graduate from short distances to endurance racing, a transition she has successfully completed with ease.

The 226km course is dotted with rolling hills on the 180km bike and the full marathon run course. The 3.8km swim was one of the best results achieved by Pace who exited second athlete out of the water in her Age Group.

Pace had to contend with some stiff competition which saw her move between third and fourth place in the bike and run, making it a nail biting and nerve wracking experience till the very end to ensure a place on the podium.

“I was extremely nervous going into the race and am still overwhelmed with the result. I am extremely happy with my swim, which I can say was the swim of my life. I kept it controlled on the bike but must admit that the marathon hurt a lot. There were a few rookie mistakes, like taking off like a bat in the first part of the run, but this is part of the learning process,” enthused Pace after the race.

“I am not sure I can say I enjoyed it but definitely feels great to tick it off the bucket list. It’s always great watching everything you worked for fall into place and I have so many people who supported me in some way or another throughout this year, which was definitely a tough one to thank for this result.”

Pace is supported by Garmin Malta, Eurosport, Starbene, Team Barry and is grateful for the assistance provided by the Maltese Olympic Committee and the Malta Triathlon Federation.