The Ironman has come to town and the excitement is palpable in downtown Kona this afternoon. I attended an event this morning up in Waikoloa and passed many athletes on the road for their final biking practice. Tonight is the traditional carb loading party, an event that I think I might actually be good at, but alas, I am supposed to be on the Atkins plan. Rats! Camera crews have arrived and are setting up equipment at key points and thatched roof aid stations have sprouted all along the highway to Hawi on the Kohala Coast.

For many Kona residents the entire weekend will be given over to some facet of the event. My family is working at the finish line to check the athletes in and collect their microchips. Others are positioned at the aid stations along the route, taking pictures, working the medical tent, handing out water, and at numerous other sites. The roads will be closed and all other business almost ceases to exist for the weekend. As the race winds down, the partying begins and there is dancing down by the finish line and the pier. Families of the athletes join their loved ones as they cross the finish line and there are tears and smiles all around. It is fun to be a part of it, even for a few hours.