Tuesday afternoon of Ironman week offers two very nice events - the increasingly popular kids' race and the annual Kona parade of nations, tri celebrities and local organizations. This time around, Chrissie Wellington and Natascha Badmann (10 Ironman wins between them) were joined by the legendary 1982 duelists Julie Moss and Kathleen McCartney Hearst. a battalion of kids carried " Say No to Doping" signs, the
Kona Fire Department occasionally sprayed the crowd, and the Kayak Safety Brigade precision marching group warded off attacks of an inflatable shark.

A good time was had by all.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Young girl carries Say No to Doping sign - message approved by WADA.

Two lads in a desperate duel to the finish.

Young girl running at 100 percent.

Flag bearer.

Krusty the Kona Clown?

Kona race director Diane Bertsch.

WTC honcho Andrew Messick.

Four-time champion Chrissie Wellington is taking a year off from competition - but not from the parade.

Strike up the band!

Legendary 1982 duelists Kathleen McCartney heart and Julie Moss.

The Grim Reaper will stand by the clock as it approaches 17 hours.

Happy girls on a Kona parade float.

Brazilians!

Honor guard.

Spectators wave to friends in the parade.

Natascha Badmann - six time Kona champion - is racing pro at age 45.

Member of the Kayak Safety Crew brigade swims hard to avoid an inflatable shark.

Kona Kayak Safety Crew precision marching ensemble.

The one and only Cowman has regained his horns after losing them a few years ago.

After the parade, the crowd meanders into the Expo where Mark Allen himself welcomes visitors to his Online Coaching booth.