American Trevor Foley and Briton Kat Matthews have headed off strong fields to claim elite honours at the 42nd edition of IRONMAN New Zealand in Taupō.
Foley became the first United States man since Tim DeBoom to prevail in the men's race, while Matthews justified her heavy pre-race favouritism, finishing well clear of her rivals.
Foley was rewarded for his late decision to come to New Zealand, following a heavy period of training in Florida, producing a breakthrough career performance.
Victory was based on his brilliant closing run, clocking 2h 35m 42s for the marathon distance, which was nearly five minutes faster than the previous best time for the course.
The 26-year-old claimed the lead about 10km from the finish, easing past Frenchman Pierre Le Corre, who finished second, 1m 43s back in his Ironman distance debut. American veteran Matt Hansen was third.
Foley's overall winning time was 7h 46m 44s.
For the first time since 2008, no New Zealand men were on the podium.
The event was the first of the calendar year's global pro series.
Matthews, who has topped the women's pro series for the last two years, showed she's ready to make it a hattrick with a dominant performance.
She was never threatened over the second half of the race to finish in 8h 28m 55s.
New Zealand's Hannah Berry was nearly seven minutes back in second, while Dutchwoman Lotte Wilms was third.
All three women's overall times were quicker than the previous race record.
The top four men and four women all qualify automatically for this year's world championships at Kona, Hawaii.
