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Intense focus just before the opening cannon.
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Craig Alexander relaxes in transition a half hour before the battle for his third Ironman win. Just short - 4th place.
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Leanda Cave -- 10th place - warms up before the swim.
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Elites bob together before the 6:30 AM start.
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Six time Ironman Hawaii third place finisher Fernanda Keller of Brazil offers her stand up paddling services to guide the swimmers.
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The age group swim is an aquatic cavalry charge at 7 AM.
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Off they go!
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The elite swim wave has its own SUP (stand up paddle) entourage
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One of the first elite swimmers hustles up the stairs at Dig Me Beach.
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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.
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Belgium's Tine Deckers rides up Palani Hill.
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Hilary Biscay and Joszef Major ride early on the Queen K.
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Sofie Goos reaches for - would that be a gu? -- on the Queen K.
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Three time IMH third place finisher Kate Major of Australia rides past a tourist bus on the Queen K.
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Belinda Granger charges the bike.
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Local Kona resident pro Bree Wee rides the rolling hills of the Queen K.
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Age group men line up on the Queen K.
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Tricia Downing races her handcycle on the Queen K.
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Age grouper Sandi Wiebe rides past a lava wall on the Queen K.
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Virginia Berasategui rode 5:05:36 and ran on an injured ankle to 4th place woman.
