Turia Pitt finishes Hawaiian Ironman

INSPIRING burns survivor Turia Pitt has successfully tackled the world’s toughest Ironman race.

Turia Pitt runs up the finish chute. Pic: Michael Klein

INSPIRING burns survivor Turia Pitt has finished her debut Hawaiian Ironman triathlon.

The 29-year-old Australian completed the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km marathon run event in 14 hours 37 minutes 30 seconds, finishing after dark on Sunday (AEDT) at the town of Kailua-Kona.

Bush fire survivor Turia Pitt, right, of Australia, gets a hug after finishing the Ironman World Championship Triathlon. Picture: Mark J. Terrill/AP

It is five years and 200 operations since Pitt suffered burns to 65 per cent of her body in a WA bushfire. Doctors told her she would never run again.

Pitt was competing in an ultra-marathon when the fire nearly killed her. Severe injuries to her hands mean Pitt has custom-made gear and brake levers on her bike.

Turia Pitt hugs her partner Michael Hoskin after finish. Pic: Michael Klein

The burns have left Pitt unable to regulate her body temperature. So she wore special race clothing to cope with the severe heat and humidity that are features of the Hawaiian Ironman.

Turia Pitt hugs her partner Michael Hoskin after finish. Pic: Michael Klein

Yesterday, she looked confident when she entered the final run, which passes through infamous lava fields and proves the biggest challenge for competitors.

Before the race, Pitt told the Herald Sun the final section of the Ironman World Championships would be a tough test.

“Because of my burns, I can’t regulate my own body temperature. I have to make adjustments or use standard tri gear in different ways ... I will need things such as cooling sleeves and white suits to deal with the heat in Kona,’’ she said.

“I’d rather take a crack at it and fail than not even try at all.”

Turia Pitt rides through the lava fields during the bike leg. Pic: Michael Klein

This is Pitt’s second Ironman-distance triathlon finish, following the Ironman Australia race in May at Port Macquarie.

Hawaii featured a record 2300 starters this year.

Pitt crosses the line and ticks off a major personal goal. Picture: Mark J. Terrill/AP

German Jan Frodeno won the men’s professional race in eight hours six minutes, while age groupers had 17 hours to finish.