In an action-packed final qualifying race for the Ironman World Champs in Kona, Jonas Shomburg took the lead during the run and won his first Ironman race in an impressive time of 7:22:57 while in the women’s race, Laura Philipp (GER) dominated.

What happened in the swim

For the men’s race, the swim was led by a clear front pack consisting of Sven Thalmann (SUI), Jonas Schomburg, Antonio Benito (ESP), Kacper Stepniak (POL), Henrik Goesch (FIN) and Gregory Barnaby (ITA). One minute and 30 seconds behind was a chase pack including Matthew Marquardt (USA), Daniel Bækkegård (DEN) and Thomas Bishop (GBR).

What happened on the bike

First out onto the bike course was Jonas Schomburg (DEU), known for his extremely speedy transitions, putting him firmly in the lead heading onto the bike. 

Just before halfway, Robert Kallin (SWE) took the lead with a course-best bike time of 3:53:12. Kallin then maintained this position into T2 and out onto the HOKA run course, quickly followed by Marquardt, Schomburg and Barnaby, all chasing his tail. 

What happened on the run

After the first 10km, Schomburg took the lead and held that position all the way to the end, finishing in first place in an incredible time of 7:22:57. Smashing the course-best record, Schomburg secured his first-ever Ironman victory. Just over five minutes behind, Marquardt pushed hard to secure second place, overtaking Andrea Salvisberg (CHE) and forcing him into third. Both athletes entered the finish line giving every last piece of themselves. 

Jonas Schomburg on his victory: “Super happy to take my first pro Ironman win, and can’t be happier to do it even in Sweden. I love the country, I love the people, and I love the atmosphere here. What a day! What a day!” 

Lead image: Jonas Schomburg of Germany celebrates victory in the Men’s Pro Series event on August 15, 2026 in Kalmar, Sweden. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon

About

Helen has been 220’s Editor since July 2013, when she made the switch from marathons to multisport. She’s usually found open-water swimming and has competed in several swimruns as well as the ÖtillÖ World Series. Helen is a qualified Level 2 Open-Water Swim Coach focusing on open-water confidence and runs regular workshops at the South West Maritime Academy near Bristol. She is also an RLSS UK Open Water Lifeguard trainer/assessor.