In contrast to the surprises of the men's race it was a case of déjà vu for the women, with defending champ Mirinda Carfrae (AUS) blowing past her rivals on the run to take the win.
Britain's Jodie Swallow came out of the water second between American athletes Amanda Stevens and Meredith Kessler, and quickly formed a three-woman lead pack on the bike with Kessler and Mary Beth Ellis (USA).
By the turnaround point at Hawi however the lead was taken by Switzerland's Daniela Ryf, with GB's Rachel Joyce just over a minute back.
Of course the question is now: how far back will @Mirindacarfrae be? And will those in front have enough of a lead to stop her?
— 220Triathlon (@220Triathlon) October 11, 2014
At this point Carfrae was in 14th position more than 11mins behind Ryf, a gap that had increased to 14mins by the time she reached T2. Ryf and Joyce held position through the first half of the run, but Carfrae quickly set about dismantling their advantage.
#IMKona @Mirindacarfrae has stormed past @danielaryf and into the lead. http://t.co/oASgjjOwTc
— IronmanLIVE.com (@IRONMANLive) October 12, 2014
Joyce was caught by the defending champ around the 20mile mark, with Ryf overhauled shortly afterwards, and Carfrae looking supremely confident and strong throughout the final stages of her 2014 race.
#IMKONA Guess who's coming down Palani @Mirindacarfrae pic.twitter.com/Wkg6fV2k4g
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IronmanTri) October 12, 2014
(Main image: Paul Phillips)
For the full in-depth race report head here