Saturday saw the running of the 40th edition of the Ironman World Championships in Kailua Kona. This is the event featuring a swim of 2.4 miles, a bike ride of 112 miles, and a run of 26.2 miles. As in previous years, I participated in this event by walking out to the main road and taking photos, whenever possible from a nice shady spot.
Actually, this year’s race was run in prime conditions for the athletes. It was overcast with occasional light rain and only a gentle breeze from time to time. Consequently many records were set, including new course records for both men and women.
The top photo shows men’s winner and defending champion, Patrick Lange of Germany, zipping by on his way back towards Kona. Second photo, Great Britain’s Susie Cheetham heads out of Hawi. Third photo, Dan Plews of NewZealand (1685) leads Robin Schneider of Germany (2310), and Neil Eddy of Great Britain (2070). These three finished the bike leg in fairly close proximity, but after the marathon run, Plews finished 21 minutes ahead of Eddy and 45 minutes ahead of Schneider. Fourth photo, Jodie Robertson of the U.S.A demonstrates the importance of color coordination while cycling. Bottom, a large group of riders roll into Hawi, the turnaround point of the bike leg.
For more information about Ironman, go to Ironman.com.
One would think they would be unstable on any uneven ground with those close-together handlebars! They cycle in a kind of headache-inducing preying mantis posture. Perhaps the swimming and the running parts remove any of the cycling-induced muscle kinks? Your photos made me pay attention!
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The transition between each leg is interesting because the athletes have to adjust to using their muscles in different ways. When they get off their bikes it can take a little while before they can get into a decent running rhythm.
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Beautiful action shots, Graham! I DO know how to take those with my Lumix! 🙂
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Thanks. I usually make the effort to check out the race. It’s fun trying to get something a little different each year.
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