Four years planning came to fruition with the inaugural Ironman China in the Hawaii-like setting of Haikou. Promoted as the world's oldest civilisation hosting the world's toughest challenge, the course was praised by athletes for its varied design that moved between old and new China.

Ironman China finished in East-West Lake Park, right in front of the park's monument; a fitting setting for a challenging race.
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Victory was just as sweet the second time for New Caledonian Patrick Vernay, as he crossed the finish line at Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie.
Patrick also won the race last year. Women’s winner was Briton Chrissie Wellington, who had set out to prove her Ironman victory in Hawaii last year was not a one-off event.
As athletes crossed the finish after their gruelling 3.8km swim, 180.2km bike ride and 42.2km run, they agreed on two things: it was a tough race and the vocal crowds lining the streets helped get them home. Their support was phenomenal, athletes said.
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It’s the ultimate team challenge; four people, 100km, 36 hours, together. The Oxfam Trailwalker began in 1981 as a military exercise and has grown into one of the world’s leading sporting challenges. All teams must begin together, pass through each checkpoint together and finish together. They may run or walk along the way.
It’s also a major fundraiser. Each team must earn through sponsorship at least $2000 for Oxfam, to help overcome poverty and injustice in some of the world’s poorest communities.
The Trailwalker challenge at Lake Taupo took participants through some of the North Island’s most spectacular terrain in fine, if slightly cool, weather.

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