The IRONMAN World Championship is the greatest one day sporting event in the world. And with that come lots of questions about who will win and what makes this iconic race so dramatic. Past champions are polled the most!
Peter Reid, 3-Time Champ and Mark Allen, 6-Time Champ
NBC collecting thoughts on the Ironman in Hawaii.
It's not all intensity and focus though. The IRONMAN brings out a celebration of life and abundant joy. It all starts with the Parade of Nations on Tuesday.
IRONMAN Hall of Famers Lew Freidland, Bob Babbitt and Peter Reid lining up for the parade.
Eighty countries marched as well as a crew of volunteers who make the race possible.
The race theme was Kupa'a, a Hawaiian word meaning to be steadfast, unwavering, to be loyal to your self and your surroundings.
Kupa'a, Ironman and Team MarkAllenCoaching
Friday is the final day of rest. All equipment gets checked in, then sleep!
Tim O'Donnell, 3rd place in 2015
IRONMAN is a day of truth. No more speculation. It all goes on the line.
Brent McMahon
Jan Frodeno, the defending champion
Tim O'Donnell
The first moment of freedom is when the cannon sounds and you can finally start the swim and do what you have been training for and focusing on for a very, very long time.
Daniela Ryf, the women's defending champion from 2015
The bike can be the biggest chunk of the day. It can be hot, it can be windy. It's always unpredictable. A good bike sets up a great marathon. Going over the edge on wheels and the wheels will inevitably come off in the run.
The pros put it all on the line.
Sebastian Kienle, the 2014 IRONMAN World Champion.
Tim O'Donnell, hoping to move up in the ranks this year.
Ben Hoffman, head down and moving.
The run is the test of truth. It's win or lose, run or walk, look ahead or turn to see who's coming from behind. It's all going to happen now.
Ryf taking charge.
Frodeno leading: 13-miles to go.
Kienle stuck in no man's land in second.
Frodeno in command.
The IRONMAN World Championship finish line is the goal. It's about getting there, crossing the line, then celebrating with the family and friends who helped you achieve your dream.
Two Time IRONMAN World Champion, Jan Frodeno.
1,2,3. Ryf, Carfrae and Jackson sharing a golden GoPro moment.
Champagne anyone!
Jackson, Welch, Frodeno, Ryf and Kienle all return for the midnight hour to welcome in the final finishers. Priceless!
Midnight is the ultimate goal. Get to the line before the clock turns a new day. And by doing that you start a new life knowing you are indeed an IRONMAN!
