German star Patrick Lange has made Hawaiian Ironman history by becoming the first triathlete to break the eight-hour barrier at the world championship.

Swiss Daniela Ryf has recovered from a slow swim, after a jellyfish sting before the start, to win the women's race for the fourth straight year and smash her own course record by 20 minutes.

Australian three-time world champion Mirinda Carfrae posted her fastest time at Kona to finish fifth.

After having a year off last year for the birth of her first child, Isabelle, Carfrae clocked 8hrs 50min 44sec.

Compatriot Sarah Crowley, third last year, was sixth in 8:52:29.