The transformation of Kona Part 1 - Ironman 2012 officially begins in style!

Kona is overun!  The quiet, sleepy town has transformed! - traffic jams on All'i Drive, athletes running, riding, swimming in the Bay, crowds taking in the Expo, filling the cafes and restaurants and the conversation centres around the big day which looms - not long until that siren screams, heralding the 2012 Ironman World Championships!!!!

The transformed Kona - IRONMAN TIME!.................

2 mile bank up on All'i Drive morning and evening! Fun!
Quicker walking!

Running and riding All'i

Line ups at lava Java!

Standing room only at the popular cafe!

So, Tuesday saw The Parade of Nations begin the exciting Ironman Week ..........

Kapuna Elizabet Maluihi Ako Lee - one of Hawaii's living treasures.
Elizabeth shared her philosophy on life and success inThe Sparkling Eyes of My Roots,
the theme of this years Ironman.

Country No 1 

And these were only some of the countries representing here at the World Champs!
64 countries  and 2,000 athletes competing!

If you like statistics.......

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2012 -- KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2012 IRONMAN^® World Championship presented by myList is set to take place Saturday, October 13^th in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Nearly 2,000 athletes from 50 states & 64 countries will swim 2.4 miles in the Pacific Ocean, cycle 112 miles through the iconic lava fields of Kailua-Kona and run 26.2 miles finishing on the scenic waterfront of Ali'i Drive. This year's field is packed with compelling stories and information including the fact that 53% of the competitors will be competing in Kona for the first time (1,086 participants) - 71% of those first timers are men and 29% are female.

With a field of athletes ranging in age from 19 to 82, competitors have qualified for the IRONMAN World Championship one of five ways: by earning a slot at one of the qualifying events held worldwide, by being selected in the IRONMAN Lottery Program, by winning a slot through IRONMAN's charitable eBay Auction, through the IRONMAN Legacy Program or via a new program introduced this year called Kona Inspired, where fans voted on eight inspirational athletes who submitted compelling stories telling why they should go to Kona.

Here is a more in depth look at the demographics of this year's entire participant field:

• Gender
  • Male – 72%   
  • Female – 28%
• Age Age groups of 50+ and above have all seen 20% or more growth compared to last year's field. 
  • 20 & Under – less than 1% 
  • 21-30 – 14% 
  • 31-40 – 32% 
  • 41-50 – 31%
  • 51-60 – 14%
  • 61-70 – 6%
  • 71 & Older – 2%
• Global Population
  • Top Countries (% of international competitors)
    • Australia – 21% 
    • Germany – 13% 
    • Canada – 10%
    • Great Britain – 7%
    • Switzerland – 5%
  • Top Cities 
    • London, GBR – 19 participants
    • Sydney, AUS – 16 participants
    • Auckland, NZL – 13 participants
    • Toronto, CAN – 12 participants 
    • Perth, AUS – 10 participants
    • Tokyo, JAP – 10 participants 
• US Population
  • Top States (% of US competitors)
    • California – 17%
    • New York – 7%
    • Colorado – 6%
    • Hawaii – 6%
    • Florida – 5%
    • Texas – 5%
  • Top Cities
    • New York, NY – 28 participants
    • Boulder, CO – 20 participants
    • Kailua-Kona, HI – 19 participants
    • Honolulu, HI – 14 participants
    • Austin, TX – 11 participants
      
      Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/11/4902409/a-look-at-the-field-for-the-2012.html#storylink=cpy

A loyal supporter enjoys parading!

The crowd were treated to a cool down from the local fire brigade to conclude the much appreciated parade!

No wonder Kona has transformed, but what an event! What a great atmosphere!

It all heralds a mighty day on Saturday!