The men’s 2024 Ironman World Championship is this weekend, but all eyes were on Ali’i Drive this morning for an entirely different athletic feat: The Kona Underpants Run, an annual event where triathletes take to the streets to gallivant in their skivvies, because…well, why not?

The tradition started in 1998 as a protest run to bring awareness to the ridiculousness of Ironman World Championship athletes wearing speedos in inappropriate places like restaurants and the grocery store (a cause we can all get behind). Over the years, it’s grown to an event as iconic as the Ironman itself, with hundreds of athletes, athletic supporters (in every meaning of the word, if you catch our drift), and fun-loving triathlon fans taking to the streets for one glorious half-mile of peacocking.

The History of the Underpants Run

The Underpants Run was conceived in 1998 by Chris Danahy, Tim Morris, and Paul Huddle as a protest against wearing Speedos in inappropriate places, the IRONMAN organizations say. The event has since morphed into a “pre-race icebreaker”, officials say.

More than 800 participants took part in the traditional UnderPants Run on Thursday morning. The event is presented by The IRONMAN Foundation.

More Than Just Underwear

Yes, it’s as silly and as photogenic as it sounds. And yes, we captured it all on film for you – keep scrolling for photos of the 2024 Kona Underpants Run from Triathlete staff photographer Brad Kaminski.

The event is said to be “an iconic staple of race week and one of the most well attended events” of the IRONMAN race week.

A Parade of Pantaloons

Tim “T.O.” O’Donnell and Craig “Crowie” Alexander came out of retirement to show off their skivvies. A proper warm-up is essential for runs of any length, even when said run is more of a parade. Triathletes are pretty in pink at the 2024 Kona Underpants Run. The Union Jack makes an appearance in the international parade of pantaloons.

You know you’re a triathlete when you get amped to parade through the streets of Hawaii in your unmentionables. Japan, we see you (all of you). Boxers, briefs, Speedos, drawers, g-strings, Jockeys – the Kona Underpants Run had it all.

An Event for All Ages

You can’t be a lifelong Underpants Run athlete if you don’t start in infancy. Busy bees in BVDs. Wonder Woman is all smiles at the Kona Underpants Run.

A Fundraising Success

This year the event raised over $36 thousand in non-profit giveback for the race communities, race officials say.

The Underpants Run: A Hilarious Pre-Race Celebration

The Kona Underpants Run is a unique and entertaining event that highlights the spirit of the Ironman World Championship. With its lighthearted nature and focus on fun, it serves as a great way to kick off the festivities and bring the triathlon community together before the big race.