Competitors from the mainland, Germany, Japan, and Canada will be lacing up their skates for a weekend of thrilling competition, community spirit, and island vibes.

The 80-year-old from New Jersey was the oldest finisher and winner of the 80-84 age group in this year’s Ironman World Championship in Kona on Oct. 11, 2025.

The first two Big Island triathletes crossed the finish line before 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Løvseth captured the title in her first-ever attempt, defeating Kat Matthews of Great Britain by just 35 seconds in the third-closest world championship finish in the sport’s history – men or women.

Approximately 1,600 triathletes competing from around the world took to the grueling 140.6-mile course. Waters in Kailua Bay were slightly choppy, highlighted pink as the sun rose over Hualālai.

On the eve before the race, the Big Island competitors were excited and hopeful for the day. For most, it will be their first time taking on the grueling 140.6-mile swim-bike-run course.

Reigning Ironman World Champion Laura Philipp of Germany will lead the professional field that includes two other Ironman World Champions: Great Britain’s Lucy Charles-Barclay and American Chelsea Sodaro.

Also, be sure to watch the video featuring members of Hawai‘i Police Department and how to be as safe as possible while the race is happening and during the last few days racers are in town.

Take a look at what’s going on today leading up to the big race day Oct. 11 in Kona.

Take a look at what’s going on today leading up to the big race day Oct. 11 in Kona.

The field is absolutely stacked, filled with world champions and Olympians, making this one of the most competitive lineups in recent memory, and while anything can happen, one thing is sure: the race will be a star-studded showdown.

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.

Former Ironman World Champions Lucy Charles-Barclay and Chelsea Sodaro also will be competing in the grueling 140.6-mile swim, bike and run triathlon on Oct. 11 in Kona on the Big Island.

Athletes can start qualifying for the Kona race in August. The number of slots for the event has not been determined.

For the first time, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is partnering with Craig Alexander for this triathlon training experience, which will take place from March 9 to 14. People can sign up through February.

Kaiden Lieto, 21, of Kona reflects on his journey to compete in the Ironman World Championship in October and where he goes from here.

Several Big Island athletes who shared the field with about 2,400 participants successfully conquered the grueling 140.6-mile course across swimming, biking and running.

The 16 local athletes share the field today with 2,400 other triathletes from around the world with people coming from 85 different countries.

Despite hot and humid conditions, 16 triathletes finished the 2024 Ironman World Championship in under 8 hours, a feat that wasn’t accomplished until Patrick Lange did it for the first time in 2018.

At Hale Halāwai on Ali‘i Drive, currently home to the Ironman Village, six Ironman Ambassador Athletes took to a stage Thursday to share their journeys.