A day that started a bit rainy turned out to be hot and beautiful in Kona and we now present you images from Wednesday's activities leading up to the highly anticipated Slowtwitch gathering.

All image © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com

The runner on Ali'i Drive isn't too concerned about the cruise ship in the background.

Jo Lawn and her husband Armando sporting the very distinctive POC helmets.

This color scheme of the Specialized Shiv will soon be available.

Participants of the annual Kona Wetsuit Aquathons in action. An event run by the IMTalk crew.

Meanwhile greeters at the pier welcome folks from the cruise ship to Kona.

Conrad Stoltz is getting ready for XTERRA Worlds Maui in Kona.

Michi Weiss with fast swimmer Helge Lorenz from Austria.

Lizbeth Kenyon before her morning swim.

This are was reserved for cruise ship passengers, and triathletes were only allowed if willing to listen to timeshare chats.

The customized aero helmet of Matthew Russell.

Hard at work in the Kona Underpants Run booth.

Travis Funk from Connecticut is a supporter of this great fundraising event.

The bike of Ben Hoffman is in Kona, but he is not racing here.

Jordan Rapp and Mark Cote chatting passionately about aero gear.

This prototype of the Specialized Fuelcell is still on the race bike of Rasmus Henning. The actual production version is on the downtube of the previous bike.

Craig Alexander with Melissa Hauschildt.

The Scott T2 Evolution is a lightweight neutral trainer.

With vigor for the right cause. A big booth in the expo is dedicated to a clean sport.

The On Running Cloud Racer will be seen on the feet of several top ranked women.

The fast looking Trek Speed Concept of Dirk Bockel.