“This is my special place,” US professional Hoffman said at the post-race presser at the Beach Hotel yesterday morning.
“It certainly tops the list for one of my favourite races ever. I am already looking forward to next year. I would like to get here a little bit earlier and spend some more time in SA,” he added.
“Every Ironman race is a new challenge and there is no easy race. You have this idea of winning these races and you focus on it and then only one person wins on the day. To do it [win] is very special and the next one is not guaranteed because you don’t know when it’s coming.
“It was great to be able to have a moment to celebrate with this amazing crowd in this awesome city where I felt good energy as soon as I got off the plane.”
Hoffman made an impressive debut at the event which played out at Hobie Beach on Sunday by becoming the youngest winner of the race.
The 32-year-old crossed the finish line in a time in a time of eight hours, 13 minutes and 20 seconds.
In second place was Tim van Berkel and Estonia’s Marko Ablert took third beating South African only top finisher Matt Trautman who came fourth by a split second.
The top five men and women applauded Port Elizabeth’s fans for cheering them on the day and joked that the mouthwatering smell of braai had been distracting.
“The crowd support was awesome, it was amazing and I think the four lap {running} section is a great idea,” Van Berkel said.
