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Kona Dispatch: Big Island festivities

October 11, 2013
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The Kona Ironman World Championships has gone from a one day event to a week long celebration of all things Triathlon. The week leading up to the race is now filled with parades, runs, and athlete appearances.

As busy as it has been, the real action awaits, tomorrow at 6:30am Kona time, the cannon at the pier will sound and the Pro men will set off, with the Pro women 5min after. At 7am, 1800 of the fittest age groupers in the world will follow them.

Here’s a look back at the festivities of the week on the night before the big race, with the sleepy Hawaiian island returned to its usual calm, albeit with a buzz in the air, as all the athletes lay low and top up their reserves in anticipation of a long, tough day.

Dig Me Beach is a place to see and be seen. Competitors come to do there pre-race swims during the week, rub elbows with the pros, and of course, size up the competition. Photo: David McColm
Dig Me Beach is a place to see and be seen. Competitors come to do there pre-race swims during the week, rub elbows with the pros, and of course, size up the competition. Photo: David McColm
Athletes gathered for the now traditional under pants run. Photo: David McColm
Athletes gathered for the now traditional under pants run. Photo: David McColm
The scantily clad athletes draws quite a crowd. Photo: David McColm
The scantily clad athletes draws quite a crowd. Photo: David McColm

 

The run was originally started by Paul Huddle as a way to make fun of all the triathlete strutting about town in nothing but speedos, but have since taken on a life of its own. Photo: David McColm
The run was originally started by Paul Huddle as a way to make fun of all the triathlete strutting about town in nothing but speedos, but have since taken on a life of its own. Photo: David McColm
Some take the run more seriously than others. Photo: David McColm
Some take the run more seriously than others. Photo: David McColm
The underpants run draws Age Groupers and Pros alike, as a great way to have a laugh and blow off some steam. Here a gaggle of age groupers pose with Pro triathlete Jesse Thomas (blue Speedo). Photo: David McColm
The underpants run draws Age Groupers and Pros alike, as a great way to have a laugh and blow off some steam. Here a gaggle of age groupers pose with Pro triathlete Jesse Thomas (blue Speedo). Photo: David McColm
Athlete appearances are a big part of the expo. This year, former world champion, Chrissie Wellington had a big presence. Wellington retired from Ironman after taking the 2011 title, she remains undefeated at the distance. Photo: David McColm
Athlete appearances are a big part of the expo. This year, former world champion, Chrissie Wellington had a big presence. Wellington retired from Ironman after taking the 2011 title, she remains undefeated at the distance. Photo: David McColm
Canada's own Ryder Hesjedal, who now makes his off season home in Maui, made an appearance on behalf of sponsors at the expo. Despite being a cyclist Hesjedal was extremely popular. Photo: David McColm
Canada’s own Ryder Hesjedal, who now makes his off season home in Maui, made an appearance on behalf of sponsors at the expo. Despite being a cyclist Hesjedal was extremely popular. Photo: David McColm
A poster with all of the competitors' names at this year's race was erected at the expo, spot the Canadian Pro's name. Photo: David McColm
A poster with all of the competitors’ names at this year’s race was erected at the expo, spot the Canadian Pro’s name. Photo: David McColm
The calm before the storm. A view of the transition pier at night. Photo: David McColm
The calm before the storm. A view of the transition pier at night. Photo: David McColm