Rob Walker, the presenter of Channel 4's triathlon programmes, was lucky enough to get to go to Kona to film and watch the Ford Ironman World Championships. The programme is due to be transmitted on Tuesday 11th December at 5:45am and Rob sent us some background on his trip to set the scene.

The Hawaii Ironman; the race that can define careers and breaks hearts. Sporting events can sometimes fail to live up to their famous billing and reputation, so it was with reserved excitement that I boarded the plane for Hawaii on October 8th.

The Channel 4 series had really opened my eyes to the world of triathlon this summer. Dyed in the wool runners like me can be a little sceptical about our three-disciplined cousins. But characters like Tim Don, Stuey Hayes, Will Clarke and Andrea Whitcombe had really made me appreciate the appeal of the sport. That said, I arrived in Kona believing that however good the event would prove to be, nothing matched the drama of a major championship marathon.

Not for the first time in my life, I’m prepared to admit I was wrong!

From the first morning walking around the official race hotel, there was an irresistible buzz in the air. Ironmen from all four corners of the world were heading off for training runs and rides, dressed in the skimpiest outfits. There was muchos testosterone (as well as flesh) on display but through the element of posing you could tell you were surrounded by sheer class.

As the days passed before race day, that sense of anticipation steadily increased. There was a lot of talk about Chris 'Macca' Mcormack and the metronomic cyclist Normann Stadler, and there were whispers of a German double with Natascha Badmann going for her seventh title in the women's race.

In fact watching Macca makes you realise the significance of this race. Here’s a guy with huge confidence and great pedigree turning his back on a possible crack at Olympic gold over Olympic distance, to concentrate on Kona. That speaks volumes for how well regarded the race is among ironmen pros. I have to say that after hearing about him missing out by 71 seconds in 2006, I was keeping my fingers crossed that the outspoken but likeable Aussie would finally have his day.

Going for Britain was the equally likeable Aberdonian, Scott Neyedli. The former age-grouper had tamed Kona as an amateur last year, but after turning pro and taking advantage of Rhodesy’s calf pull at Sherborne, found himself in with the big boys. A nicer guy you could not wish to meet or interview.

For the British women, there was the little known Chrissie Wellington quietly going about her business. Victory in Korea in August was going largely ignored by the world's press, but the big personality and charm was about to make an indelible mark on one of the world's most iconic sporting events.

Race day itself was a blur, to be honest. Trying to follow three different athletes with only one camera isn’t easy, especially in searing heat... But hey, it was a lot easier than competing! I won’t say too much about the results. Everyone now knows what happens and if you don’t or can't remember, then tune in to Channel 4 this Sunday.

Over the last six years it has been my great priviledge to travel the world and cover almost every major sporting event. Cricket, rugby and football World Cups, Commonwealth, European and World Athletics Championships, along with the Olympic Games. But being in Kona gave me something I had never experienced to such an extent before. All I wanted to do was climb over the barriers, put down the microphone and get in the race.

I have run five marathons and finally beat the three-hour mark back in 2005, so I have a small understanding of what it takes to achieve modest sporting goals. But seeing the look on the age-groupers faces when they crossed the finish line was an inspiration I’ve never seen before.

For those of you who are genuinely close to Kona age group standards, don’t give up. Get out in the winter cold and rain and the find the missing minutes.

Because I’ve been there and seen triathlon heaven.

And yes, it’s every bit as good as everyone says it is.