Wanaka's Braden Currie has won the 2021 Ironman New Zealand today in Taupo.

Braden broke the eight hour mark with a time of 7:57:12 with Mike Phillips second and Kyle Smith third.

After two sprint finishes in half distance events between Braden and Kyle this year, Braden focused on the bike to put himself in good position for his favoured run leg.

The pair, along with Mike Phillips, came together early on the bike leg with Braden maintaining 1st position throughout that leg.

“I had a really good day and worked really hard on the first lap of the bike, knowing that when the race came together and Kyle and Mike were there with me, as long as I stayed consistent and looked after myself, I’d run well,” said Braden.

“I looked at my watch early in the run and was running a 3:05/km pace and at that point I knew I was going to have a really good run, but I told myself I should probably slow down a bit! (laughs). I didn’t want to end up in a side by side battle with those boys, I wanted to make them hurt and feel the pain early and not give them a chance to run with me. Quite often that strategy works when you can run that pace for a while and grit your teeth and hang in there.

Full credit to Kyle for sticking in there, he was hanging on tough on the run and good on him for getting it done. I know it won’t be the result he was hoping for on his debut but no doubt when he pulls off his good race its going to be a lot tighter”.

Braden Currie (centre) on the podium with Mike Phillips (left) second and Kyle Smith.

“It’s a long time since I’ve raced well here and I’m really proud of how it played out today. It’s beautiful to have my family here. My wife and kids have been on this journey with me every step of the way,” said Braden.

Braden's next focus is the Ironman World Championship in October.