PAU HANA: 2023 VINFAST IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RACE WEEK RECAP FOR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11
KAILUA-KONA, Hawai`i (Oct. 11, 2023) – The 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon race week is fully underway and energy levels are growing 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.
WOMEN FOR TRI PANEL: Women for Tri Champions Club powered by FulGaz “Understanding Your Why” Panel featuring Michellie Jones, Jocelyn McCauley, Rachel Zilinskas, Lauren Brandon, and IRONMAN Foundation athlete Ashley Norton, who is working to be the first known athlete with MS along with a pacemaker to cross the IRONMAN World Championship finish line. (Photo Credit: IRONMAN)
GETTING RACE READY: Athletes began the day with a HOKA Legends Walk & Yoga with IRONMAN Legend Julie Moss before checking out the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship expo. Within the expo space, athletes, supporters, and the community can check out special female focused activation’s as well as the latest products from the IRONMAN Global Series partners such as the VinFast VF8 vehicle, Gatorade samples and gear check, IRONMAN’s newest global partner AG1, and relax while trying on Hyperice’s Normatec boots – plus much more. Athletes can also connect with the Women for Tri team and pledge leave a note of support for future triathletes. (Photo Credit: Peignée Verticale) (Photo Credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN) (Photo Credit: Tony Svensson / IRONMAN)
AN ALOHA RECEPTION: An unforgettable evening and gathering of the IRONMAN `Ohana, legendary IRONMAN athletes Natascha Badmann and Carlos Moleda were honored as the newest members of the IRONMAN Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed by the sport. Founded in 1993, the IRONMAN Hall of Fame was created to honor individuals who have epitomized the spirit of IRONMAN and made unforgettable contributions to the world’s most famous triathlon race series. Badmann and Moleda joined a prestigious list of remarkable individuals honored for what they have meant to the sport of triathlon and IRONMAN both in-and-out of competition. Moleda who was unable to join in person due to other obligations, had Bob Babbitt accept the honor on his behalf. (Photo Credit: Donald Miralle / IRONMAN)
Check out the latest articles on IRONMAN.com:
- A First-Timer’s Guide to Conquering Kona
- Never Too Old for Ali’i Drive: Eva Alexy is One Inspiring Athlete
- Women in IRONMAN: A Timeline
- Beat Kona’s Heat and Humidity: Tips for First-Timers
Schedule of Events for Thursday, Oct. 11:
- 7:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. – Practice Swim and Live Aloha Coffee Boat
- 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Active Release Techniques (ART)
- 7:30 a.m. – UnderPants Run presented by The IRONMAN Foundation at King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort (KBR) – Back Parking Lot
- 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Athlete check in at KBR Ballrooms 2, 3, 4
- 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. –VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Pre-Race Press
Conference (Closed event to Credentialed Media Only) – KBR Lu’au Grounds - 2:00 p.m. – VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Ambassador
Athlete Panel – IRONMAN Village Stage – Hale Halawai, Ali`i
Dr. - 6:00 p.m. – E Komo Mai Welcome Banquet – KBR Parking Lot
- 8:00 p.m. – Athlete race briefing at KBR Parking Lot