KAILUA-KONA Hawai`i (Oct. 24, 2024) – Top male professional athletes took centre stage this morning at the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Pre-race Press Conference, where they discussed their journey to the start line, tactics, preparation, and their thoughts on how race day might play out. Inspirational age group athletes then stepped into the spotlight in the afternoon to share their unique journey to the start line in Kona during the IRONMAN Ambassador Athlete Panel. The iconic UnderPants Run presented by The IRONMAN Foundation, which kick started the day, and the Aloha Reception that took place last night, are also featured in the recap below.
he Best Men’s Race of All Time?
This morning, 10 of the top professional male triathletes racing at the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kona took to the mic at the Pre-Race Press Conference to share their thoughts on how race day might unfold, with former IRONMAN World Champions Patrick Lange (DEU), Kristian Blummenfelt (NOR) and Gustav Iden (NOR) boldly expressing that Saturday’s race could be one of the closest and most competitive in the history of the sport. The press conference began with opening remarks from CEO of The IRONMAN Group, Scott DeRue before Lange, Blummenfelt, Iden, Braden Currie (NZL), Matthew Marquardt (USA), Matt Hanson (USA), Matt Burton (AUS), Rudy Von Berg (USA), Magnus Ditlev (DNK), and reigning IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow (FRA), talked to their preparation, strategy, and the course. Spirits were high as the competitors joked with one another about race day tactics and pre-race mind games, before responding to questions from attending media as well as from those watching on at home.
Inspiring Athletes Proving Anything is Possible
There were goosebumps all round for those who listened in on today’s Ambassador Athlete Panel, as six of the most inspirational humans took to the stage at the IRONMAN Village. Each athlete has been on a unique and incredible journey to make it to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship start line, including Johnny & Jeff Agar, a dynamic father and son duo who never gave up on their dream to complete the IRONMAN World Championship, returning to Kona to finish what they started after a DNF in 2016; Beau Jones, who faced a battle with PTSD following the events surrounding his son’s birth before turning things around to become a positive force for men’s mental health; David McGillivray, an endurance running icon, Boston Marathon Race Director, and 9 x IRONMAN World Championship finisher; Billy Monger, a former racing car driver who at the age of 17 was involved in a devastating crash that resulted in the amputation of both his legs and is now set to take on the IRONMAN World Championship to raise money for UK charity Comic Relief; and Jonathan Pascual, who despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2007 and a rare form of stage IV terminal cancer in 2022 has overcame the odds and making the most of his time left to make it to Kona.
The Return of the UnderPants Run
An iconic staple of race week and one of the most well attended events at the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawai`i, the UnderPants Run presented by The IRONMAN Foundation took to the streets this morning with more than 800 participants taking part. 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 $36k in non-profit giveback for the race communities.
“A Fighting Chance”
A new episode of ‘A Fighting Chance’ dropped on @ironmantri social channels and the IRONMANTri YouTube channel today, featuring Patrick Lange (DEU), Lionel Sanders (CAN), Leon Chevalier (FRA), Matthew Marquardt (USA), and Braden Currie (NZL). Follow the @ironmantri social channels for a behind the scenes view of what it takes to have a chance at world-title glory.
Schedule of Events for Friday Oct. 25
- 7:00am – 12:00pm – Active Release Techniques (ART) – KBR Honu’s Lawn
- 9:00am – 4:00pm – Accreditation Office – KBR Conference Room 5
- 9:00am – 4:00pm – Media Centre – KBR Ballroom 1
- 10:00am – 2:00pm – IRONMAN Village – Hale Hālāwai, Ali`i Drive
- 11:00am – 11:30pm – Professional Athletes ONLY – Bike/Helmet/Gear Check-in – Kailua Pier
- 11:30am – 6:00pm – All Athletes – Athletes Bike/Helmet/Gear Check-in – Kailua Pier
- 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Dedicated timeframe for media to capture content of Professional Athlete Bike Check-in – Kailua Pier
Helpful Links:
- 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Course Maps
- Check out the Event Website for everything related to the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon
- Check out the IRONMAN World Championship Facebook page
- For race week updates, photos, and videos, follow @IRONMANtri on X
- Follow the official Instagram account @IRONMANtri
- Use #IMWC #Kona2024 on your own Twitter and Instagram posts