Ironman World Championship 2018 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i

Here are some impressions of the longest day of the year.

Mick and I dropped off Martin at the Race Hotel (Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel) at 4.45 am so that he could go straight to the Body Marking. Finding a parking space was easier than expected, probably because we were there early. We found a spot to watch the swim start. It was still dark. Many, many spectators slowly gathered, representing nations from all over the world. Slowly, the sun rose and the water helpers received their well-deserved applause. Then finally, with a loud bang, the starting shot for the professional men at 6.40 am. After that, it was time for the professional women. A Hawaiian Haka was performed on the stage in front of the transition area. It reminds you of where you actually are. Then the starting shot for the age groupers. A mass start in the water and everyone fought to avoid getting kicked or hit by other swimmers. Mick and I saw the first professionals coming out of the water and transitioning to the bike. Martin came out of the water after 1 hour and 16 minutes, hurried through the transition area, and cycled up Palani Road to Queen Ka'ahumanu. The bike course goes 85 km north and then back. Mick and I had a few hours of free time. The idea of driving north with the car failed because all the exits of the parking lot where our car was located were closed. No wonder, the parking lot was right on the running course. We found a shady spot at the transition area and waited about 2 hours for the first professional to arrive. Finally, there was action again. The first ones who entered the transition area were understandably in a hurry and handed their bikes to the many volunteers. Of course, we also saw German professionals 🙂 and cheered them on. Then we went to the running course equipped with 2 chairs, food, and drinks and made ourselves comfortable there. After 4 hours and 56 minutes of cycling, we were able to cheer for Martin twice on the running course and take great photos. The rest of the course went back north, so we could only see Martin again on the way to the finish on the carpet. After a fast 3 hours and 21 minutes marathon, Mick filmed and I photographed one of the most significant finishes in the life of a triathlete.