The start of the swimming event as Ironman Wales 2025 got underway. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)The race started with a two-loop 2.4-mile swim at North Beach, before transitioning into the cycle via the infamous long run up the zig-zag ramp. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography)12 professional female athletes completed this year’s event, with Germany’s Franziska Hofmann finishing first in 9:42:24. “Everybody really embraces the race and I’m just really grateful for the support.”This was Eccleston's first Ironman Wales victory, after coming 17th in 2018 and 3rd in 2023. Full results for the 2025 IRONMAN Wales triathlon can be found at ironman.com/races/imwales/results.