On the surface, it’s merely a race. But for the athletes who crossed the iconic IRONMAN World Championship finish line — and the competitors who will this year and in the those to come — it is so much more.
But what exactly does the race mean? What does it signify?
The answer is as varied as the athletes who sustain the IRONMAN legacy and story.
Judy and John Collins — who moved in 1975 from California to Hawai’i — dreamt many would enjoy swimming, bicycling and running nonstop for 140.6 miles; that their Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon would become an annual event in the islands.
Little did they know that after the first Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon on Feb. 18, 1978, their dream would blossom into reality and become a worldwide phenomenon, impacting the lives of countless people.
What began in 1978 on the shores of Waikiki Beach has evolved into a singular quest to unearth the true potential of the human will and spirit.
Learn more online about IRONMAN’s history.
Be sure to follow the IRONMAN World Championship on social media to catch all the latest news and updates about the triathlon:
The women’s IRONMAN World Championship race is Oct. 11 — this weekend — in Kona. Visit the IRONMAN website for all the details.
You can also keep an eye on Big Island Now throughout the week for more IRONMAN-related news and features, including race coverage this weekend.
