Lionel Sanders and Meredith Kessler struck gold in Arizona, but many other athletes also left strong impressions, and so did Mother Nature. Enjoy this beautiful image gallery by Eric Wynn with blood, guts and glory.

American Andrew Starykowicz crushed the bike course with a blazing fast 4:03:36.

After a 52:34 swim American Jordan Rapp leaves the Tempe Town Lake ready for 112 miles of riding.

TJ Tollakson in pursuit of race leader Andrew Starykowicz.

After a 54:05 swim Lionel Sanders had his work cut out, but the Canadian's 4:13:38 bike split got him back in contention.

American Kevin Collington rode 4:29:32 on the way to 7th place.

Sarah Haskins had a great swim in her first Ironman and together with Meredith Kessler were well ahead of the rest of the field.

Haskins fully focused here and up not finishing in Arizona.

Meredith Kessler stepped on the gas immediately and pulled away from Haskins and all other competitors.

German Maik Twelsiek stumbled and fell as he came out of the water. As he then fought to get in his bike shoes and looked at his wound he got a blue card.

Jordan Rapp on the way to an 8:08 total time, but that meant 5th place on this day.

American Amanda Stevens came off the bike in second place with a 4:50:10 bike split.

Canadian Melanie McQuaid rode 4:51:28 on the way to 7th place.

After the strong bike leg Starykowicz was already at mile 2 before the next competitor started the run.

Meanwhile heavy age group traffic was still filling the streets around Tempe, Arizona.

After a flat tire Brent McMahon had fallen back, but with a 2:46:25 run he stormed back to capture 2nd place.

Andrew Starykowicz hung in there despite struggling in the second half of the run and finished fourth.

The cold and wet rain made it tough for athletes and spectators alike.

Emotions overcame Lionel Sanders as he crossed the finish as the new IMAZ champion in 7:58:22.

Meredith Kessler successfully defended her title in 8:44:00.

Amanda Stevens was rewarded with second place for her tenacity.