Sports
Inside Ironman World Championship Race Week in Kona
From the iconic Underpants Run to Breakfast with Bob, traditions and festivities take over the island before race day.
Race week leading up to the Ironman World Championship in Kona is about far more than just race day. Featuring practice swims, the cheeky Underpants Run, the Parade of Nations, and behind-the-scenes meetups, Hawaii's Big Island buzzes with celebration and preparation.
The experience of competing in the Ironman World Championship in Kona begins long before the starting cannon fires. Throughout the days leading up to the race, Hawaii's Big Island is swept up in a series of rituals, brand activations, and long-standing traditions that define the event's unique atmosphere.
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Traditions, training, and race-week activations
Official festivities kick into gear the Sunday before the race. The schedule includes a practice swim on the official course, the grand opening of the Ironman Expo, and athlete check-in, marking the transition from final tune-up sessions to pre-race formalities.
Among the week's most beloved and lighthearted events are the Parade of Nations—a colorful procession where athletes celebrate their heritage while carrying their countries' flags—and the famous Underpants Run, a fun charity run where competitors take to the local streets in swimwear and underwear.
Behind the scenes, media, and community
The schedule in Kona also features press conferences, autograph signings, and tech demos at sponsor booths. Another classic behind-the-scenes staple is the presence of sport legends like Bob Babbitt and his iconic Breakfast with Bob interview series, filmed oceanside at Huggo's on the Rocks.
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