Ageing ironman triathlete Craig Alexander snares eighth Aussie title in Geelong at 41

HE’S 41, a father of three and runs a coaching business but that hasn’t stopped Craig Alexander picking up a record eighth Australian long course triathlon crown in Geelong.

Ironman/ironwoman press conference ahead of Sunday's race in Melbourne. Australian Craig Alexander

HE’S 41, a father of three and runs a coaching business but that hasn’t stopped Craig Alexander picking up a record eighth Australian long course triathlon crown in Geelong.

The multiple Hawaii ironman triathlon champion admitted he was surprised to still be winning national crowns in a sport he has dominated now for the best part of 20 years but thrilled with the win over the 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run course.

“It really is special,’’ said the popular ironman who is recognised as one of the greats of the sport.

“But I guess when you hand around to 41 you are going to win a title or two.’’

One of the world’s greatest triathletes, even at 41.

Alexander’s extraordinary honour roll in the sport now includes three Hawaii ironman world crowns, two world 70.3 half ironman titles, a world long distance silver, a world aquathlon bronze, eight Australian long-course titles and one national sprint and duathlon title.

The triathlete from Sydney’s south covered the course in 3hrs 46min 26 sec, 17 seconds ahead of fellow Australian Sam Appleton.

New Zealander Mark Bowstead completed the podium in 5:51.14.

“That was an incredible experience, he’s someone I’ve looked up to my whole career, and to be racing him and making him work for the win feels really good,” Appleton said.

Liz Blatchford won the women’s race with a surge in the final kilometres of the run to edge out Rebekah Keat and Sarah Crowley.

Ironman Craig Alexander keeps on keeping on.