Tyler Butterfield led home a four-strong Bermuda contingent in Saturday's Hawaii Ironman – considered the world's toughest triathlon – with a strong performance which saw him cross the finish line in 28th position in a field of 1,787.

But just as impressive was the performance by Karen Smith who took third place in the women's 40-44 age group.

Also completing the gruelling 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and full marathon (26.2 miles) were Karen Bordage and Kent Richardson.

Pro Butterfield, the son of Jim Butterfield who was the first Bermudian to take part in the event some 30 years ago when he claimed a top ten finish, surprisingly lost ground on the bike, although it isn't known whether he encountered mechanical problems.

A former professional cyclist, Butterfield emerged from the swim in 27th position (52 minutes, 17 seconds), but dropped down to 44th on the bike (4:50.25) before making a late charge on the final discipline, completing the marathon in 2:59.19.

His overall time was eight hours, 46 minutes and 16 seconds.

Winner Chris McCormack of Australia clocked 8:15.34.

Smith also made her move on the the marathon when she climbed from eighth to third to finish in 10:16.06 – placing 613rd overall.

Climbing out of the water in seventh position in her age group in 1:06.03, she too dropped back on the bike (5:37.44) but only one place to eighth.

Her excellent marathon run of 3:24.44 elevated her into the top three.

In the same women's age group, Bordage placed 34th in a time of 11:36.36, placing 1,218th overall.

Bordage completed the swim in 1:41.56, the bike course in 6:07.45 and the 26.2 mile run in 3:30.29.

Veteran Richardson placed 83rd in men's 45-49 age group and 1,262nd overall.

He finished the swim in 1:15.2, the bike in 6:02.32 and the run in 4:13.20.

First woman to finish the event was Chrissie Wellington in 9:08.45 – the first Brit ever to take the prestigious title.