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Ironman World Championship & More!

Get an up-close look at the race that put Ironman on the map - the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i.

October 18, 2012 Kara Deschenes

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The — The island of Kailua-Kona is known for desert-like lava fields that melt into turquoise water.

Athletes — Athletes line the the street for a chance to dine at the famed Lava Java.

No wonder Lava Java packs a crowd! Check out the size of that sticky bun!

Lava — Lava tunnels mark areas where the hot magma once free flowed through the land.

Located — Located about an hour outside of Kailua-Kona, Pololu Valley offers adventure seekers a rewarding hike.

Pololu — Pololu Valley features a beautiful black sand beach.

A short drive to Waipio Valley (and a four-wheel-drive vehicle) down this steep, winding road results in an unbelievable view.

Not — Not too shabby. The treacherous drive is worth it in the end. Waipio Valley, HI

Check — Check out this rescue helicopter collecting water to put out a nearby fire.

Here's — Breathtaking sunset above the clouds on the top of Muana Kai at 13,796 feet elevation.

A local race, benefiting PATH (People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawai’i) brings runners down the famous Ali’i Drive one week before the big finish of the Ironman World Championship.

During — During the week leading up to the race, athletes can swim the course and stop by the “coffee boat” for a mid-swim jolt of caffeine.

Not — Not a bad back drop for a race expo, right?

The — The Ironman Foundation helps athletes achieve dreams. Some of the featured athletes include a 4-time cancer survivor, a man living with cerebral palsy, and two breast cancer survivors.

Kids — Kids participate in the “Kei Dip-n-Dash” race a few days before the adult race.

Future — Future Ironman World Champions

Six-time — Six time Ironman World Championship Natascha Badmann was escorted in style at the Parade of Nations.

More — More than 40 countries were represented at the 2012 race.

Over — Over 1,000 athletes took part in the famous Underpants Run this year. There’s nothing like running in your underwear to ease the approaching race-day nerves.

The — The Welcome Banquet featured a tropical band and fierce warrior decor.

Race — Race morning = a sea of swim caps anxiously awaiting the cannon shot signaling the beginning of the race.

Athletes — Athletes thrash forward as quickly as possible in hopes of starting the day out with a fast swim split.

Nothing — Nothing says determination like an athlete who overcomes adversity to chase down a dream.

Karen — Karen Adyelott was an Ironman athlete before losing her leg in a car accident while riding her bike. After the accident, she is still an Ironman competitor.

Athletes — Athletes transitioned from the swim onto the 112-mile bike course.

To end the bike portion, athletes come around the “hot corner” on Palani Drive before setting out on the run course.

Three-time — Three-time Ironman World Champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander fought hard to gain on his competition. He finished 12th this year.

Peter — Peter Jacobs captured the 2012 Ironman World Championship Men’s title with a finish time of 8:18:37.

Jacobs — Jacobs celebrated his victory with his family after crossing the finish line.

Americans — Americans Andy Potts and Tim O’Donnell finished in 7th and 8th place proudly displaying the red, white and blue.

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