KIT Walker produced one of the best performances of his ironman career to win the Outlaw Ironman title in Nottingham.

The Portland triathlete produced a steady 2.4-mile swim and a fast 112-mile bike ride before race leader Karl Alexander dropped out with a back injury.

The 26-year-old took up the mantle and secured a fantastic victory in eight hours 58 minutes and 52 seconds, winning the race by more than 15 minutes.

Finishing behind Walker was Joe Beech (9:13:56) and Dean Edwards (9:16:12).

Speaking after the race to tri247.com, Walker said: “That’s the fastest time I’ve done so far. I had to push it pretty hard, it was only just (under nine hours), but I did it.

“Every time you come past the finish it’s just phenomenal, loads of noise, everyone shouting your name, commentary, it’s just amazing.

“I knew I’d have to have a really good race to win. I didn’t quite have the run I was capable of, but it was enough.”

Walker’s next major event will be Ironman Weymouth – another race at full ironman distance – which is a race he has had success at in the past, finishing eighth in 2015 and 10th in 2014.

His best time at the event is 8:44:18 and he will to go better than that after turning professional at the start of the year to focus on his burgeoning triathlon and ironman career.

The race is set to take place on September 11, 2016 and will feature many more local athletes including Bustinskin’s Giles Heaman and Stephen Chubb.