Local athlete Jana Richtrova captures 40-44 age group World Championship title at 2923 Vinfast Ironman World Championship in Hawai'i

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Jana Richtrova, 43, of Spring, captured the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon title in the women’s 40-44 age-group in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i on Saturday, Oct. 14. Over 2,000 athletes representing 73 countries, regions and territories converged in Kailua-Kona to compete in this world-renowned event. For the first time in the event’s 40-plus year history, the spotlight exclusively shone on female triathletes as Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i welcomed the first standalone Women’s VinFast IRONMAN® World Championship triathlon on October 14.

Richtrova completed the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship event in 9:38:51 (swim: 1:14:32; bike: 4:40:39; run: 3:35:53), beating out the top athletes in their age group. The 2023 field of triathletes tackled the 2.4-mile (3.8km) ROKA swim course in the crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay before embarking on one of the most iconic bike courses in the world. The 112-mile (180km) FulGaz® bike course, renowned for its long, sustained climbs and strong crosswinds, provided challenging elevation gain and captivating views. Athletes saw exposed lava fields on one side and the ocean coastline on the other before returning to begin the run.

The 26.2-mile (42.2km) HOKA run course took runners on an out-and-back past the spirited crowds on Ali’i Drive and up Palani Road to the Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway. After navigating the rolling terrain with intermittent steep stretches and passing the long-awaited HOST Park at the National Energy Laboratory Hawai`i Authority (NEHLA), athletes completed their journey with a victorious lap through Kona town before crossing the historic Ali`i finish line.

Full results for the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon can be found at www.ironman.com/im-world-championship-2023-results. For additional event information, please visit www.ironman.com/im-world-championship-2023. Media inquiries may be directed to press@ironman.com. About the IRONMAN World Championship