Triathletes head for Hawi along the Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
Age groupers crowd toward the water minutes before the start of Ironman World Triathlon Championship. (Hawaii247 photo by Karin Stanton)
Mayor Billy Kenoi fired the cannon and 1,796 triathletes took off out into Kailua Bay.
One of the first men out of the water was Hawaii’s Jon Flanagan. Also, Kona’s pro Bree Wee was the 11th woman out of the water.
Two Brits quickly took the lead on the bike: Philip Graves, the 20-year-old Ironman UK winner, and Chrissie Wellington, two-time defending Ironman champ.
Triathletes start the 112-mile bike leg. (Hawaii247 photo by Karin Stanton)
Faris Al-Sultan on the Queen Kaahumahu Highway in Kawaihae. Photography by Baron Sekiya.
The Big Island's Bree Wee on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in Kawaihae during the bike leg of the Ironman Triathlon. Photography by Baron Sekiya.
Chris Lieto on the bike course of the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship. Photography by Baron Sekiya Hawaii 24/7
Chrissie Wellington on the run during the marathon portion of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona. Photography by Baron Sekiya for Hawaii 24/7.
Craig Alexander goes for hydration on the marathon course of the Ironman Triathlon. Heat and humidity are taking their toll on runners. Photography by Baron Sekiya for Hawaii 24/7.
My friend is in this on this Ironman thing.
Good luck to all