Kona, Hawaii is the birthplace of the iconic Race that started in 1978.
The Ironman World Championship has become a highly prestigious and gruelling endurance competition that triathletes around the World aspire to compete in. Athletes describe the race as brutal and challenging, but they are all up for the challenge. It is the World Cup of Ironman events and the best of the best participate in a number of age group categories.
The event starts with a 3.8km swim which begins at the Kailua Kona Pier in Town. This year before the start of the race there was a red alert for jellyfish, many of us got stung which was quite painful. There were medics spraying vinegar in transition after the swim. The race then continues with a gruelling 180km bike ride with competitors heading north through extremely hot lava fields with high wind gusts and scorching hot temperatures. Once back in Kona, the marathon run portion of the race begins. The 42.2km marathon course takes you back out of town and return also suffering in the hot and humid condition.
The final moments going through the finish arch are filled with intense emotions, passion and is spectacle unlike anything else. The awaiting crowd are there to cheer every competitor home!
My long day 14 hours and 31 minutes at the office was very rewarding as I eclipsed my time from 2022 by 8 minutes. I was the second Australian home and 13th overall in the World in my age category 70 to 74. Gruelling but so fulfilling to see that finish line!
The event was made super special with Val volunteering all day and officially awarding me my stunning finishers medal.
I dedicated the race to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. I must thank everyone who donated for their generosity. Google Michael Kimpton Fundraiser, RMHC if you would like to make a donation to this needy cause. To date I have raised over $8,000 which is quite remarkable.
Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton
Photos supplied
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