Ironman: Meredith Kessler crushes course record

American Meredith Kessler smashed the course record at Ironman New Zealand in Taupo on Saturday to win the women's race. Photo/Delly Carr

For the second straight year a course record has fallen at Ironman New Zealand in Taupo.

American Meredith Kessler smashed the women's course record on Saturday by almost six minutes, replicating Bevan Docherty's effort from last year in the men's race.

She recorded a time of 9hr 08min 46sec beating the old record of 9hr 14min 35sec.

"The goal of the day was the run - not to come home like I was in a coffin, like I have in the past," she said.

"That is the best I have felt in the marathon in probably two years."

Kessler could have broken the record by more if not for a technical issue on the 180km cycle leg.

"My chain came off and I couldn't get it back on for a couple of minutes," she said. "But it was fine."

She said it meant a lot to claim her third straight title at Ironman New Zealand.

"This was a really emotional win. I did it for everyone who has supported me."

Wanaka's Gina Crawford finished second, seven minutes behind Kessler.

Crawford said she was happy with her race but the day belonged to Kessler.

Cambridge's Candice Hammond closed out the podium, finishing a further 14 minutes back on Crawford.

Ironman New Zealand attracted more than 1600 participants on Saturday.

The race included a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run.

The prize pool on offer was $90,000 with the winning male and female receiving just under $18,000 each. Saturday's race marked the 30th anniversary of Ironman NZ, which has been held in Taupo since 1999.