Ironman World Championship Kona 2019

Each year the sleepy seaside resort town of Kailua Kona is filled with elite athletes from all over the world who have come to compete in the mother of all competitions “Ironman”. Not just any Ironman competition, the Ironman Championship. Only 2% of all Ironman competitors will qualify. The race begins at 6:30 am with the swim from Kailua Pier for 2.2 miles, followed by a 112-mile bike ride from Kona to Hawi and back, and ending with a full marathon 26.2-mile run ending at Kailua Pier where their name is announced followed by “you are an Ironman.”

This is my third Ironman in Kona. No, I didn’t compete, but I’m fortunate enough to live in Kona on Alii Drive where I was able to watch, cheer, and photograph part of the race from my lanai.  This year I followed a local competitor Monica Price who is a physical trainer Kona. Monica told me that she has been trying to qualify for the past 10 years and she was so excited to have earned her way into the competition. I was able to grab a few shots on the bike and then some on Alii Drive during her run.  Monica’s bib number is 324.

Competitor images may be downloaded at here Ironman Championships Photo Gallery