KAILUA-KONA — The VinFast Ironman World Championships returns to Kailua-Kona on Saturday where the best triathletes in the world will face one of the toughest endurance tests on the planet.
This year’s Kona race will feature the men, beginning with a 2.4-mile swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay, where athletes will not only battle the distance, but also navigating ocean currents and the pressure of maintaining a strong pace within a pack. The swim, however, is just the beginning of an all-day challenge that pushes even the most prepared competitors to their limits.
Upon exiting the water, athletes will transition to the bike for a punishing 112-mile ride along the famed Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway. The course is notorious for its scorching heat and relentless crosswinds — a brutal test of stamina and mental toughness with little relief from the sun, as athletes pass through barren lava fields which is a signature backdrop of this event.
The final leg of the race is the marathon: a 26.2-mile run under the intense Hawaiian sun. Competitors will run past a spectator lined course on Ali‘i Drive before making their way up Palani Road and out to the HOST Park at the National Energy Laboratory Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA) — an infamous stretch of the run known for its brutal conditions. Athletes will finally be rewarded when the cross the historic Ali‘i Drive finish line to hear, “Congratulations, you are an IRONMAN!”
This year, the professional men will dive into the waters of Kailua Bay at 6:25 a.m., with the physically challenged/intellectual disability and handcycle athletes starting at 6:27 a.m. The first wave of age-group men will begin at 6:40 a.m. as the race gets underway for a full day of intense competition.
Among this year’s male competitors, 11 Big Island residents will take on the daunting challenge. For these athletes, the race has a special significance. Not only do they face the demands of competing in an Ironman, but they will also be representing their home on a world stage. These local competitors have also trained in the very conditions the race is famous for — heat, wind and humidity — giving them a unique understanding of what’s to come on race day.
A week out from the “big dance,” I had the pleasure of chatting with these amazing athletes as they shared some of their thoughts about race day.
Andrew Loeb, Bib No. 918
Age and hometown: 76, Kailua-Kona
Occupation: Retired
No. of IMWC finishes: 10
Quotable: “Enjoy the journey!”
Q: What are you looking forward to the most?
That wonderful feeling afterwards!
Q: What will motivate you toward a strong finish on race day?
All the triathletes older than me. I want to be like them!
Ron Kalich, Bib No. 2429
Age and hometown: 57, Kailua-Kona
Occupation: Facilities and Asset Management
No. of IMWC finishes: Rookie
Q: What do you plan to do the day before the race?
Rest and relax!
Q: What has been the best part of training for you?
Knowing that the preparation will make for a much more enjoyable experience on race day.
Steffen Brocks, Bib No. 2540
Age and hometown: 56, Kailua-Kona
Occupation: Business owner/investor
No. of IMWC finishes: 15, going on 16!
Q: With all your Kona IMWC finishes, what motivates you to keep racing as a top age group athlete?
I love hanging out with my friends and family on the Big Island. Doing it while racing is just that much more fun!
Q: What would be advice that you give to someone racing in their 1st Kona IM?
Enjoy and respect the Big Island, and be prepared to take in what “she” has in store for you.
Daniel Hill, Bib No. 2040
Age and hometown: 53, Waikoloa
Occupation: Auto Mechanic
No. of IMWC finishes: 1
Quotable: Why am I doing this?
Q: Who do you predict will be in the top three to win this year’s IM race?
I predict Sam Laidlow to win; he is staying here in Waikoloa and see him train.
Q: What would be a typical pre-Ironman race meal?
I don’t have any special pre-race meals.
Laurentiu Grigore, Bib No. 1754
Age and hometown: 46, Waikoloa Village
Occupation: Server at Four Seasons/Beach Tree Restaurant
No. of IMWC finishes: 2
Quotable: Forward never straight! Move forward even if the journey is not always straight to the finish.
Q: How do you feel heading into this year’s IM race?
I feel grateful and humbled for the opportunity to compete on the Big Island of Hawaii with the best in the world for the third time.
Q: What has been the best part of the journey to Kona for you?
That my wife and daughter supported me throughout all the long and hard training days. The fact that I got to train with one of my best friends, Michael, and create great memories.
Michael Kemp, Bib No. 1110
Age and hometown: 30, Kailua-Kona
Occupation: Server at Four Seasons/Beach Tree Restaurant
No. of IMWC finishes: Rookie
Quotable: If you struggle with snack addiction, triathlon may be the answer for you!
Q: Of the swim, bike, run, which would you say is your favorite?
Swimming is my favorite sport!
Q: What do you plan to have in your special needs bag for the bike? The run?
Pop Tarts. Lots of Pop Tarts!
Ian Hersey, Bib No. 652
Age and hometown: 62, Kamuela
Occupation: Technology Executive
No. of IMWC finishes: 4
Q: What has motivated you to get through some of your tougher IM training sessions?
The old mantra, “Train hard, race easy.”
Q: What are you looking forward to the most on IM day?
The finish line!
Keish Doi, Bib No. 2430
Age and hometown: 57, Kailua-Kona
Occupation: Engineer
No. of IMWC finishes: 14, going on 15!
Q: Being a veteran of the sport, what do you feel is different about competing in this year’s IM event?
After a five-year break from racing, it will be interesting to see whether I remember how to race!
Q: What advice would you give to an IM rookie?
Enjoy the day!
Alexander Hsia, Bib No. 742
Age and hometown: 60, Waikoloa
Occupation: Network engineer
No. of IMWC finishes: Rookie
Q: What do you plan to do as your pre-race routine?
Continue with the Tridot training plan that I’ve been following, eat well, drink lots of water, and try to get some sleep the night before the race.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most on race day?
Seeing all the spectators and friends cheer me on and having all of those volunteers provide support for me at the aid stations.
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Columnist Note: Two other athletes who were listed as Big Island residents competing in this year’s Ironman World Championships but were not present for the interview were: Kaiden Lieto (Bib #182) and Lloyd Gillespie (Bib #1852). Apologies in advance if there were any other athletes inadvertently missed in this coverage.