Kona, Hawaii/Boston  - Champion Craig Alexander of Australia defended his title Saturday at the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii.

In the race's combined 3.8-kilometre swim, 180-kilometre bicycle ride and full-length marathon run, he finished in eight hours, 14 minutes and four seconds.

In the women's race, Chrissie Wellington of Britain won her third straight Ironman triathlon, crossing the finish line in 8:54:02, breaking the 17-year-old women's record by 86 seconds. (dpa)