In addition to the big race in Kona there are also several must-do other events going on. New this year is a 2.4 mile open water swim on October 5th, but there are a variety of true and tried events and plenty more. Hopefully your calendar is not completely booked already.
2013 Kona swim
What: You may be in Kona this year to either race, work or support a loved one, and if you are there early enough you can take part in a Kona practice swim that takes place on the same course as the Ironman, just a week sooner. Participants will be timed by Sportstats and will receive a t-shirt to remind them that they took part in this first ever event like it. You can also feel good about it as all funds raised will be donated to Kai Opua Canoe Club and Ahuena Heiau.
Distance: 2.4 miles
Cost: $25
Register: eventsonline.ca
2013 Kona Slowtwitch gathering
What: Every year the Slowtwitch gathering in Kona is one of the social highlights of the World Championship race week. It has grown quite a bit over the years and would not be possible without the support from great partners like Muscle Milk and blueseventy and an endless amount of other sponsors who step up to the plate and support the super swanky raffle. It is a chance to meet folks behind those screen names including Chris Boardman, mingle with Pros and chat with various industry folks. Plus this year you can bring your old goggles and swap them for new blueseventy ones.
Date: Wednesday October 9th / 4-7pm
MSRP: Priceless
Website: slowtwitch.com
2013 Kona Underpants Run
What: The Kona Underpants Run is good fun for all those participating and those just standing on the side of the road to watch this spectacle of "Look At Me" action. Massive throngs of athletes in various styles of underwear prance from Pacific Vibrations across from the Banyan Tree to the pier and then back ton Alii Drive to Uncle Billy's and then back to Pacific Vibrations. The fun works as a guerrilla marketing platform for many brands, but most importantly it helps various charitable organizations.
MSRP: Give as much as you can
Website: underpantsrun.org
2013 Saucony Kona promotion
What: Most of the events in Kona are open to the general public but some events require you to be an actual Kona starter. Saucony for one is running a special promotion for their limited Kona Kinvara 4 running shoe and you can pre-order them now and pick them up in Kona. You might meet Linsey Corbin and Luke McKenzie when you pick them up, but you have to be a starter in the race and hopefully have enough space in your suitcase.
MSRP: $110
Website: hawaiianpedals.com
2013 Kona Muscle Milk TRX and Yogasessions
What: In addition to the daily samplings of their products, the folks at Muscle Milk / Cytomax offered a bunch of TRX sessions last year and this was a very popular alternative workout for folks in a very stunning location. They will do the same again this year and you just need to request the time slot for either TRX or yoga from instructor
Dan McDonogh.
Dates and times:
Monday 10/7, Tuesday 10/8, Thursday 10/10 and Friday 10/11
TRX: 3:30pm, 4pm or 4:30pm
Sunset yoga: 5pm to 6pm
Cost: n/c
Website: trxtraining.com
An evening with Zee Avi and beer
What: Last year the crew of Endurance Conspiracy hosted a concert with Paula Fuga and this year they return to the Big Island to kick off Ironman week with the sultry voice of Brushfire Records recording artist Zee Avi in the stunning Queen's Palace location. There is no charge to get into this event and everyone receives a Free Endurance Conspiracy t-shirt. It should be a very relaxed evening during a week that can be stressful - plus there will be delicious beer.
Date: Monday, October 6, 2013
Place: Queen's Palace
Cost: Free
Website: enduranceconspiracy.com
