THEY took on the World - and they came through it.

Two Pembrokeshire athletes completed the ultimate Ironman test on the weekend as Claire Stubbs and Janet Hannaford successfully crossed the finish line at the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Claire, competing in the female 40-44 years old category, finished the 2.4-mile sea swim, where wetsuits were not permitted, the 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon in 13:14:50 .

Janet meanwhile, who qualified in the 60-64 years old section, maintained a steady pace throughout to get over the line in 16:10:09.

Telegraph Sport contacted both athletes after the race, with both unsurprisingly labelling it one of the hardest events they had ever done.

"The swim I felt was awful with choppy seas and I was at the back of the pack," said Claire, 40.

"Although I did manage to overtake a few male competitors who had gone out 10 minutes before me and I was out in 1:28:00, which was similar to my time in Tenby in 2015."

And the bike ride was no easier, as searing heat and strong winds played havoc with the athletes.

"I was leaning into the wind on a 45 degree angle, it was relentless," said the Tenby woman.

"The scenery was just lava fields and those who say it is a flat course are lying."

Claire completed the 112-miles in 06:51:00, and more sunscreen was needed before the marathon run, where she was twice able to run over messages of support that husband Steve and children Tom and Jas had chalked into the road.

But unlike in Tenby, Claire said there were no mass crowds to guide you around the course.

"I watched the sun go down and it was pitch black with no lights and no people - it was scary and we were given glow sticks to help us see. Walking became more frequent to the running."

Regardless, she still clocked a marathon time of 04:44:27, and at the finish line was able to spot Steve and family who passed her Welsh flag to hold as she crossed.

Janet meanwhile, of Pembroke, was out the water in 01:31:45, before tackling the bike ride in 07:55:05 and the marathon in 06:21:50.

The 62-year-old, who was supported in Kona by husband Bob, said the race "was everything that a World Championship should be."

Also referring to the conditions, she said: "The course was hot, the wind relentless and the run a real test of mental and physical strength.

"I have to be happy with my result because I gave everything and it was the best that I could do on the day."

And Janet insisted the inevitable physical pain of the event was worth it.

"I have bruises and sore muscles but that will all disappear - but the memories of this amazing event will live with me forever."

As an added reward, Janet also found a photo of herself in the local Kona newspaper, that had produced a selection of pictures of the 2,316 athletes who had qualified to participate.

The overall event was won by professional athlete Jan Frodeno, of Germany, in an incredible time of 08:06:30.