American athlete Ben Collins was the first man to cross the line in this morning's Ironman 70.3 in Dublin, claiming victory in a little over four hours. 

Over 2,000 athletes took to the streets of Dublin city and pushed their bodies to the limits in the second event of it's kind to visit Ireland.

We spoke to managing director of the event earlier this month (which you can read here) and the popularity of the event which was evident through the huge numbers involved today.

Swimmers preparing to get into the water

Competitors enter Scotmans Bay in Dun Laoghaire

Swimmers begin the event

Ben Collins on his way to winning Ironman 70.3

Athletes pass the Guinness Breweries

Competitors make their way up the North Quay

Ben Collins claims victory in just over four hours

Collins holds up the event tape after today's race

He also enjoyed a well-earned brewski

Images courtesy of: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne