As many are now aware of, the Ironman World Championships are, for the first time, being split between venues for men and women. Women, aside from the pros, will race in Kona in October, as usual. The men will race in Nice, France, in September. This likely marks an exit from Kona for the World Championships, which have always been held in Kona—the exception being Spring of 2022 when they were held in St. George, Utah. As the curtain falls on Kona, here’s a little write up of Ironman’s history, which started on the big island. Note: triathlon the sport was not “invented” or started in Kona.
Ironman is a long-distance triathlon event that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.2-mile run. It is one of the most grueling and challenging endurance events in the world, and it has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s.
The first Ironman triathlon was held on February 18, 1978, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It was the brainchild of John Collins, a U.S. Navy Commander, and his wife, Judy Collins. John was inspired by the idea of creating a new type of endurance event that would test the limits of human physical and mental endurance. He wanted to combine three different endurance events – a long-distance swim, a long-distance bike ride, and a marathon run – into one grueling race.
To promote the race, John and Judy sent out flyers to local athletes and the media, inviting them to participate in the inaugural Ironman triathlon. They also contacted the Waikiki Swim Club and the Honolulu Marathon Association for support and assistance with the event.
On race day, 15 athletes, including Collins himself, participated in the event. The swim took place in the waters off Waikiki Beach, the bike ride went from Waikiki to the northern coast of the island and back, and the run was held on a course that went through the streets of Honolulu. The race was won by Gordon Haller, a Navy communications officer, who completed the course in 11 hours, 46 minutes, and 58 seconds.
The inaugural Ironman triathlon was a huge success, and it sparked a new trend in endurance sports. In 1979, the race was moved to its current location in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii, and it has been held there every year since. The race has grown in popularity over the years, and it now attracts thousands of athletes from around the world.
In addition to the Ironman triathlon, there are now several other Ironman events held around the world, including the Ironman 70.3 series, which consists of half Ironman distances, and the Ironman World Championship, which up until recently was held annually in Kailua-Kona and is considered the most prestigious Ironman event.
The Ironman triathlon is not for the faint of heart, and it requires a high level of physical and mental conditioning. Training for an Ironman race typically involves several hours of swimming, biking, and running each week, as well as strength training and other cross-training activities.
Despite the challenges, many people are drawn to the Ironman triathlon for the sense of accomplishment and personal growth it provides. Finishing an Ironman race is a huge accomplishment, and it requires a strong will, determination, and commitment to training and preparation.
The Ironman triathlon has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1978, and it has inspired countless athletes to push their limits and test their endurance. It is a true testament to the human spirit, and it continues to be one of the most popular and respected endurance events in the world. If you’re interested in signing up for a 70.3 or full distance Ironman, a triathlon coach can help you along in your journey. Contact Boulder-based triathlon coach Kennett Peterson at kennettpeterson@gmail.com today.
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