The Ironman World Championship is one race site we HIGHLY recommend you go to early with your triathlete. The atmosphere is just amazing; take it all in, especially if it’s your first! After they’ve seen to transition bags, bike checks, marking, etc., go together and find a place you can see the swim start. This way, they will know where to find you if they wander off. If you have an athlete who just needs alone time before the start, give your kisses and head further down the seawall where there is more room. It is amazing with the sun rising behind you over the island and the waves rolling in. Have your camera ready……A few years ago there were even dolphins swimming next to the athletes.
Unless you have a VIP pass and are on the pier, catching them come out of the swim is nearly impossible, so head to your bike start location before the time you expect them out of the water. We would recommend you stay on the side of the street that you plan to have breakfast on, as it can be very difficult to cross Palani Drive. We stay on the King K side of the street, because we like to go back there for breakfast. They have a nice buffet, not too busy and after, if you have kids, they can play on the beach.
If you are not pushing strollers, here is the best bike information we can give you – remember this is from the King K side of the street. Head out of the swim start to the hot corner at Palani Drive and Kaukini Highway on the northwest corner. They will bike out and turn left here. Once you see your athlete make this turn, head across the Highway and through the Burger King parking lot, making your way to the grass median on Palani Drive. You will see your athlete come down the hill and then back up on their way to Hawi. Several chances to get waves, give woo hoos, and hopefully get great pictures. There are also some trees in the median so you can grab some shade if needed. Once they head to Hawi, this is when you have some free time. It will be your longest break in the day……
Next Up: What To Do While They Bike
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Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
