PAU HANA: 2023 VINFAST IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RACE WEEK RECAP FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12
KAILUA-KONA, Hawai`i (Oct. 12, 2023) – The 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon race week is fully underway and energy levels continue to grow as female professionals and age-group athletes get ready for competition in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i. For the first time in the event’s 40-plus year history, the women’s field has their own dedicated IRONMAN World Championship race in historic Kailua-Kona on Saturday, Oct. 14. Below is a summary recapping highlights from the last 24-hours, upcoming activities, events, and links to resources to help you cover the event.
UNDERPANTS PARADE: A staple of race week at the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawai`i, over 1,500 participants took to Ali`i Dr. for the UnderPants Run presented by The IRONMAN Foundation. Conceived in 1998 by Chris Danahy, Tim Morris, and Paul Huddle as a protest against wearing Speedos in inappropriate places, the event has morphed into an IRONMAN pre-race icebreaker and raised over $52,000 in non-profit giveback for the race communities. (Photo Credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN)
A PRESSING OCCASION: Top professional women competing in the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship on Saturday, Oct. 14 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i spoke to the media in attendance regarding their race preparation, strategy and the importance of the first dedicated women’s race in the history of iconic IRONMAN World Championship triathlon. (Photo Credit: DONALD MIRALLE / IRONMAN)
INSPIRING ATHLETES, INSPIRING STORIES: An incredible group of IRONMAN Ambassador Athletes came together to share their stories to the start line at the IRONMAN Village Expo Stage at Hale Halawai Park. Ukrainian athlete, Juliya Azzorpardi emotionally spoke about what life is like in a warzone, while Sara Whittingham (USA) who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, spoke about why cardiovascular exercise is so crucial for slowing down the progression of this terrible disease.
Epileptic athlete, Annie Brooks (GBR), autistic athlete, Adrienne Bunn (USA), and MS athlete, Prue Young (NZL) shared what it’s like to train with a hidden disability, and Lisa Oliveria spoke about her journey from homelessness to life with small fiber peripheral sensory neuropathy.
Sporting royalty such as Fernanda Keller (BRA) who will be completing her 27thIRONMAN World Championship, and trail Queen, Lucy Bartholomew (AUS) who is set to be the second woman ever to complete the UTMB World Series Finals and IRONMAN World Championship in the same year shared their passion for the endurance sports world. The full panel can be viewed here
From right to left: Prue Young, Lisa Kuntze, Fernanda Keller, Lucy Bartholomew, Annie Brooks, Adrienne Bunn, Sara Whittingham and Juliya Azzopoardi – (Photo by Tony Svensson / IRONMAN)
Don’t miss all the action!:
Live race day coverage for professional women will air globally on Saturday, October 14 beginning at 4:30 a.m. HAST / 10:30 a.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. CEST on IRONMAN Live, as well as Live L’Equipe for the French audience at 6:00 p.m. CEST. HR television and Sportschau for the German audience starting at 6:15 p.m. CEST, with ARD’s national program showing the finale of the race at 1:15 a.m. CEST. Be sure to follow all of IRONMAN’s official social media channels.
Schedule of Events for Friday, Oct. 13:
- 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Active Release Techniques (ART)
- 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Meditation: Mindset Readiness for Race Day
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – VinFast IRONMAN Village & Official Store Open at KBR Conf. Room 6
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Accreditation Office open at KBR Conf. Room 3
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Media Center open at KBR Ballroom 1
- 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – IRONMAN & Feisty LIVE Podcast at Bike Check-in
- 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Check-in and Cheer: Pro Athlete Bike Check-in
- 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Athlete Bike/Helmet/Gear Check-in