FRANKFURT, Germany — Chrissie Wellington's early celebration may have cost her the women's world record today at the Frankfurt Ironman, while Australia's Chris McCormack beat a strong field in the men's event.

McCormack, the 2007 Hawai'i Ironman champion, set a course record in 7 hours, 59 minutes, 55 seconds.

Wellington finished in 8:51:25, which was 32 seconds over the world record held by American Paula Newby-Fraser.

The Englishwoman also became European champion, while Spain's Eneko Llanos took gold on the men's side as the top European finisher — 1 minute, 54 seconds behind McCormack.

Wellington finished 26 minutes in front of German Nicole Leder, with Wenke Kujala of Germany third.

Wellington was ahead of the world record until she slowed down to celebrate near the finish line.

"I didn't know anything about the record," Wellington said. "But enjoying this great atmosphere is more important than any best time."

McCormack pulled away from Llanos at the end of the race, breaking German Timo Bracht's course record set last year by 9:20. Bracht took third place.

"This is unbelievable,"McCormack said. "To beat a world class field like this and also to have a time under eight hours is simply fantastic."

Two-time former Hawai'i winner Normann Stadler withdrew with an illness, while 2005 Hawaii champion Faris Al-Sultan dropped out 25 miles into the marathon.