There were mixed emotions for three of Hampshire’s triathlon stars after they took part in the prestigious Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.

It was a disappointing day for Sophie Bubb, who had been hoping to finish among the leading amateur women but was forced to pull out five miles into the run leg of the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and marathon triathlon on Kona.

Rob Arkell, who was aiming to make the step up to a top five placing, recorded a time to be pleased with but after suffering cramp during the run in searingly hot conditions found himself in 39th in the 30-34 age category.

After an injury ravaged build-up, Kelly Stokes was one of less than 250 women to go under 11 hours, and also placed 39th in her age category.

Bubb’s day started to unravel barely after it had begun with mechanical issues on the bike that pretty much ended her hopes of fighting for the major honours.

She rallied and got going again but things went from bad to worse as sickness struck and five miles into the run she had to concede defeat and record a first ever DNF.

Arkell swam 1.03, biked an impressive 4.36, but ran a little slower than hoped, which was barely a surprise given the longer the competitors were out the more times slowed as a lack of wind made for fast biking but gruelling running.

He finished up with a still highly creditable 3.20 run to complete the course in 9.10, but the top 25 in his age group remarkably all went under nine hours.

Stokes swam 1.00, biked 5.11 and recorded a 4.31 run in the heat of the day for 10.52.