Crowley equalled her career-best third placing in Kona, but was holding second in the closing kilometres before Lucy Charles-Barclay made an outstanding recovery to run her down.

Wurf's fifth placing was also his best Hawaiian finish, but he was left lamenting a poor swim and then had no answer when American Ben Hoffman caught him in the 'Energy Lab', a key section of the marathon run course.

"Hopefully next time I can go a step or two higher. I was nearly there but just had to fight it out at the end," Crowley said.

"I am proud of my effort today ... there is always work to be done, it was so hard, and I am so sore - back for a rest now I think."

Like Crowley, Wurf is now an old hand at the Hawaiian Ironman after his 17th placing in 2017 and ninth last year.

The former top rower and pro cyclist set the bike course record in 2017-18, but worked hard on his run this time so he could be more of a factor.

Only three weeks ago, he broke eight hours and posted an impressive 2:45 marathon split as Wurf dominated an Ironman-distance race in Italy.

But Sunday showed his swim remains a weakness.

"I am gassed, really gassed. I just didn't have it, obviously. I was on the back foot from the start, I didn't have a good swim and then didn't have the pop I would normally have on the bike," he said.

"But) I am really happy because to run myself into a good position highlights what I have worked on this year ... I will take it.

"You learn the most on those days,"

Wurf said he had no answer when Hoffman passed him for fourth spot, although they were duelling late in the race.

"I think I pulled out a 3:40 final kilometre and I am paying for it big time," Wurf said.

Carrie Lester finished seventh, her third top-10 finish, and Tim Reed's 12th was his best Kona result.

Australian Associated Press