Maike Baldus and Daniel Wagner reach the finish line at the Triathlon World Championships in Kona – Baldus finishes 16th in her age group
Maike Baldus and Daniel Wagner from TuS successfully participated in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on October 10, 2026. Both completed the long-distance triathlon, consisting of a 3.8-kilometer swim, a 180-kilometer bike ride, and a final 42.2-kilometer marathon. Baldus finished in 10 hours and 47 minutes, and Wagner in 10 hours and 31 minutes.
The Ironman World Championship presented participants with challenging conditions. With temperatures around 32 degrees Celsius, high humidity, and occasionally strong crosswinds, adequate hydration and cooling were crucial, in addition to physical endurance.
Maike Baldus qualifies for the Ironman World Championship at her first long-distance triathlon
For Maike Baldus, participating in Hawaii was a special achievement. She had only qualified for the World Championship at the Ironman Frankfurt in 2016. Due to extreme heat of over 40 degrees Celsius, the cycling and running courses there had been shortened.
The qualification process initially presented Baldus with a difficult decision. Frankfurt was supposed to be her first full long-distance triathlon. In Hawaii, she would now have to complete the entire distance for the first time – under challenging climatic conditions.
Since the starting place had to be booked the day after the qualifying race, there was little time to think it over. With the support of her coach Leonie Schmoll, as well as family and friends, she decided to participate.
Preparation included targeted heat training and acclimatization measures.
Difficult conditions on the cycling and running course
On race day, Baldus faced a choppy Pacific Ocean, rain, sweltering heat, and strong crosswinds on the bike course. Despite these challenges, the swim remains a particularly positive memory: "I was amazed by the incredible underwater world," she reports.
Upon returning to Kona, the spectators along the course provided additional motivation. However, foot pain began to take its toll during the final marathon. Baldus slowed her pace and used the aid stations to cool down and rehydrate.
“Despite the pain, I was able to enjoy the moment and was grateful to be here,” says Baldus. Crossing the finish line was the highlight of her day.
With a time of 10:47 hours, she finished 16th in the 25 to 29 age group among 63 qualified participants.
Daniel Wagner reaches the finish line after 10 hours and 31 minutes
Daniel Wagner also successfully completed the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. He competed in the 30-34 age group and crossed the finish line after 10 hours and 31 minutes.
This allowed both TuS athletes to successfully complete the demanding long-distance race at the World Championships.
(GRIESHEIM – PM/RED/Martin Aring)
