Today we are starting with our annual coverage of the Ironman World Championships in Kona. We spent time on the pier, the Queen K and Alii Drive and briefly visited Lava Java.

The big event that is coming on Saturday has signed on GoPro as a title sponsor and that seems indeed a great match. We actually noticed quite a few of these clever little HD action cameras in action on the pier and in the water.

We though shot only still images and here is what we noticed on this first day in Kona.


All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com

The bag people drop off in the morning at the pier gets a number assigned and the matching number goes on the arm of the athlete who owns the bag.

Big smiles before the morning swim by Rachel
Joyce who is one of the favorites here.

Sean Watkins helps out Heather Jackson with her zipper.

And off in the water she goes, but Heather is not racing here.

The hydration station at the pier is very busy in the morning.

Ironman CEO also went for a swim this morning, but his schedule will get tighter and tighter as the week develops.

Ironman Legend Mark Allen right after his morning swim in Kona.

Snorkel action near the pier this morning.

Danish Pro Jimmy Johnsen appeared calm and collected and should be in the mix on Saturday.

2-time Ironman 70.3 World Champion Sebastian Kienle will have many eyes on him, but here he enjoyed a quiet breakfast at Lava Java.

The Scott T2 Pro Evolution is marketed as a great transition running shoe.

There was quite a bit of action on the Queen K this afternoon.

Chris Legh rolled up on us on a very sweet looking Trek Speed Concept.

Dirk Bockel was also out on the Queen K today.

Very focused action on the Queen K, but clearly aware of the media near by.

Jeanne Collonge recently finished second at Ironman Lake Tahoe and she looked fast on the Queen K.

Back on Alii Drive it was busy.

In full flight.

The market opposite of the expo has a great selection of fruit.

Try these sweet Kona Dragon Fruits.