2010 IM Hawaii Part 1

Timothy Carlson Sun Oct 10 2010

Madame Pele and the World Triathlon Corporation presented some of the biggest surprises - Chrissie Wellington's last minute scratch due to illness. And great racing -- the duel between Chris McCormack and Andreas Raelert . And new records - Mirinda Carfrae's sizzling 2:53:32 marathon and Karin Thuerig's 4:48: 22 bike.

But most of all the race presented a traditional aerobic passion play in Kailua Bay, along the Queen K, into the Energy Lab and arriving home on Alii Drive.

All images are © Timothy Carlson / slowtwitch.com

Intense focus just before the opening cannon.

Slideshow

Craig Alexander relaxes in transition a half hour before the battle for his third Ironman win. Just short - 4th place.

Leanda Cave -- 10th place - warms up before the swim.

Elites bob together before the 6:30 AM start.

Six time Ironman Hawaii third place finisher Fernanda Keller of Brazil offers her stand up paddling services to guide the swimmers.

The age group swim is an aquatic cavalry charge at 7 AM.

Off they go!

The elite swim wave has its own SUP (stand up paddle) entourage

One of the first elite swimmers hustles up the stairs at Dig Me Beach.

Julie Dibens was surprised that Rachel Joyce beat her out of the water and up Palani Hill on the bike. When the ride was done, Dibens finished in 4:55:27 and had a substantial lead.