Ironman to celebrate Kona with a packed week of programmes on Facebook

Just because there isn't any actual racing in Hawaii this week it doesn't mean we can't celebrate the iconic event virtually, says Ironman

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Published: October 2, 2020 at 10:24 am

This year Ironman will commemorate the magic of the Ironman World Championship with a week-long celebration, which includes the first-ever offering of a virtual full-distance Ironman triathlon with Ironman VR27 Kona.

The 2020 Ironman VR World Championship Celebration will commence on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. GMT) offering a global audience over 14 hours of programming through the Now Facebook Watch page.

The Kona Celebration Daily Show will bring the hallmarks of world championship week to life virtually for fans across the world, including the E Komo Mai Welcome Ceremony, Ho‘ala Swim celebration, Underpants Run and Heroes of Hawaii.

Each broadcast of the Kona Celebration Daily Show will celebrate the greatest athletes and achievements over the event’s 40-plus-year history, presenting the most inspiring storylines to ever emerge from this iconic race.

The audience will have access to exclusive interviews and interactions with Kona pros and legends, a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the race production, new course insights, and original content that immerses viewers in the race-week experience and energy. Viewers will re-live some of the most epic rivalries and most memorable finish line moments, and celebrate the fiercest competitors and the biggest personalities of the big race. Hosted by Michael Lovato and Dede Griesbauer with reporting by Greg Welch and Matt Lieto, the program will also feature special guests including Ironman legends, Master Coaches and professional athletes.

“Despite the challenging year for all, we have been determined to find a way to celebrate and honor the traditions and achievements that make the Ironman World Championship event so special for so many. Our goal was to give everyone a chance to experience the uniqueness that encapsulates the Ironman World Championship Week,” said Andrew Messick, President & CEO for The Ironman Group.

In addition, a special 2.5-hour Facebook Watch Live Broadcast of the 2019 Vega Ironman World Championship will air on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. GMT) with live interviews offering insight into the action and thought process at key moments of the race. Viewers will get to see the perspectives of the pros and hear their retrospective reflections. Plus, special guests will offer their vantage point while celebrating the Hawaiian tradition that has defined the iconic race for over 40 years.