The Underpants Run is a quirky, yet popular and significant staple of Ironman week in Kona.
This year’s event happened on Thursday at 7:30 a.m., starting and ending at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel.
Event organizers say that the event was started back in 1998 as a protest against a rule that banned wearing Speedos in public places. From there, the event turned into a way for fellow triathletes to meet while taking a quick run or jog down Ali’i Drive.
Just as important is the charitable aspect of the event. Over $240,000 has been raised since 1998 for local charities. This year, organizers said that they would raise money through raffles for several products, including a Cannondale bicycle, Garmin GPS, Surftech stand-up paddle board, and more.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Thursday is also the last day for athletes to check-in for Saturday’s Ironman World Championship, presented by GoPro. Registration runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel in ballrooms 2, 3, and 4.
A welcome banquet will be held for the athletes in the hotel’s parking lot at 6 p.m., followed by a mandatory pre-race meeting at 8 p.m.
This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Big Island Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments
