Ironman Leeds in photos as Sam Laidlow takes the men’s victory

The 2023 Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow took the men’s victory in front of a packed crowd at the first Ironman Leeds event, offering plenty of inspiration for anyone thinking of training for an Ironman event.

Here are some early photos from the event, which saw athletes take on a 3.8km lake swim in Roundhay Park, a 700-acre park, just three miles away from Leeds City Centre.

They then embarkarked on a 112-mile (180km) bike course up into the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. Athletes rode the same paths as the famous 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart route, with approximately 2500m elevation gain.

Finally, there was a 26.2-mile (42.2km) run on multi-lap course around Roundhay Park and scenic surrounding areas. 

The win in the pro men’s race was taken by 2023 Ironman World Champion Sam Laidlow (FRA), who finished in 8:10:08. In second was Nathan Guerbeur (FRA) in 08:24:43 with Harry Palmer (GBR) third in 08:28:42.

With no pro women’s field at this race, the first female across the line was GB age-grouper Adele Martin, in a time of 11:01:09.

Lead image: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN

Helen Webster Editor, 220 Triathlon

About

Helen has been 220's Editor since July 2013, when she made the switch from marathons to multisport. She's usually found open-water swimming and has competed in several swimruns as well as the ÖtillÖ World Series. Helen is a qualified Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach focusing on open-water confidence and runs regular workshops at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.