IRONMAN Kona is one of the most brutal challenges any triathlete – Pro or Age Grouper – can accept. And those challenges don’t just exist on race day.

This coming Saturday (October 26) thousands of the world’s finest professional and amateur athletes will line up on the Big Island of Hawaii to complete their own mission. And IRONMAN are keen to ensure that the whole week passes smoothly and without any issues.

Despite the sheer size of the event, Kona is a small place and the huge influx of outsiders can mean a logistical nightmare with scary safety implications.

With that in mind, IRONMAN has announced an important update for all athletes and supporters arriving in town, with a view to ensuring their safety this week as they prepare for the big day itself.

IRONMAN Kona race week guidelines

“As the roads get busier leading into race day, the safety of all is of paramount importance. To ensure all road users remain safe, and to reduce the impact on the local community, guidelines for locations to avoid have mapped out and are requested to be followed.

“Specifically, athletes should not ride on the roads south of Kona town, as shown on the maps included and publicly available. These roads are narrow and lack a hard shoulder on which cyclists can ride. The lengthy traffic delays caused by the inability to pass cyclists on these narrow roads also creates inconvenience for the local community, and can become a danger for athletes and drivers.

“For athlete safety and consistent with the Live Aloha Initiative and the Pono Pledge, athletes are asked to refrain from cycling on these portions of Hwy 190/Palani Rd, Hwy 180/Old Mamalahoa, HWY 11/ Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy, and Hwy 160/ Napoopoo Rd. 

“For those supporting athletes who are training on the course, please remember that riding against the traffic is against the law, and all traffic laws while on the Island must be followed. If training with an athlete who is running, please refrain from riding against the traffic. 

“A dedicated Kokua (“help”) Patrol team will also be monitoring certain cycling routes on the Island to ensure all athletes are abiding by the guidelines and being respectful of one another and the community, as well as providing any necessary support.”

Cyclist safety advice

IRONMAN has also provided very specific advice to cyclists this week, and the guidelines are as follows:

• Cyclists, stay aware of your surroundings. Kona’s roads can get busy, and it’s important to always ride with caution. Follow the designated race routes and obey all traffic signals.  

• Always ride in dedicated bike lanes and stop at the stop signs and lights. Remember, cyclists have the same responsibilities in following local traffic laws as vehicles.  

• Please ride single file at all times.  

• For community members, whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or driving through town, be extra vigilant. Watch for cyclists, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Give them the space they need to navigate safely and always drive with Aloha.