2013 Kona kids race & parade

You can see the stars of tomorrow at the Splash and Dash kids race and the heroes of history and the panoply of nations at the parade on Tuesday afternoon in Kona.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Ironman founders John and Judy Collins, 35 years after the inaugural Ironman in February 1978. The 15 original participants paid $5 entry fee.

Testing out his swim fins for the kids race.

Mom points out the way.

Warming up gracefully.

Dad gives pre race advice.

The charge of the light brigade swimmers.

Running out of the swim.

Charging to the finish.

2006 Ironman World Champion Michellie Jones smiles approvingly at a Splash and Dash finisher.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oy! Oy! Oy!

Oh Canada!

German parader blows bubbles.

Team TBB top contenders Caroline Steffen and Mary Beth Ellis have a hug.

Brazil spreads the joy.

Four-time champion Chrissie Wellington, now retired, comes back for the parade.

Six-time champion Natascha Badmann comes back to race at age 46.

The Japanese contingent.

Kiwis!

This little girl holds her ears when the big Kona trucks hit their air horns.

Ceremonial dancer atop the Kona seawall.