Behind the Scenes: 2025 IRONMAN World Championship Women’s Race Week Recap

Setting the Stage: From Tuesday, more than 1,600 registered athletes set to compete at the women's 2025 IRONMAN World Championship checked-in for the biggest race of the year and spent time at the Hale Hālāwai IRONNMAN Village checking out the range of exclusive merch and sampling goodies and product including AG1, Breitling, HOKA, Maurten, Wahoo, and much more.

Ho`ala Training Swim: To kick off race week festivities, athletes had the opportunity to hone their ocean swimming skills at the Ho`ala IRONMAN® Training Swim through the legendary waters of Kailua Bay, embracing the challenge and spirit of Kona on the iconic IRONMAN World Championship swim course.

Kona Community Fun: Race week in Kona is a week-long celebration of community spirit. From athletes, supporters and locals alike shaking out their legs in the Kona Town Fun Run Supported by HOKA and the HOKA Shakeout Run Fueled by AG1; to the younger generation showing off their talent in the Keiki Dip-N-Dash; to the one-of-a-kind Underpants Run in support of the local community through the IRONMAN Foundation, Kona came alive this week.

Aloha Reception: An evening of celebration, the Aloha Reception took place at the breathtaking Hulihe`e Palace on Wednesday night. 14-time age-group IRONMAN World Champion, Cherie Gruenfeld was officially welcomed into the IRONMAN Hall of Fame and captivated the audience with a speech on her 33-year IRONMAN journey and continuing to compete into her late seventies. Reigning IRONMAN World Champion, Laura Philipp of Germany was also honored on the night, and shared her gratitude towards the Island of Hawai'i for helping her fall in love with the sport of triathlon.

Pre-Race Thoughts from the Pros: Eight of the world's best female professional triathletes joined this year's Pre-Race Professional Athlete Press Conference in the sun-drenched Lu`au Grounds to talk race strategies, respect for Kona's legacy and conditions, athlete journeys and comebacks, and the IRONMAN Pro Series. Hosted by Race Announcer Joanne Murphy, the press conference kicked off with opening remarks from The IRONMAN Group CEO Scott DeRue, before professional athletes Laura Philipp, Kat Matthews, Chelsea Sodaro, Marjolaine Pierré, Lucy Charles-Barclay, Taylor Knibb, Jackie Hering, and Solveig Løvseth were asked to share their race preparations and final pre-race thoughts. A full replay of the press conference can be found on the IRONMAN YouTube Channel.

Parading of Nations: As race week built momentum in Kona, the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship Parade of Nations brought together athletes from 78 countries, each proudly waving their flag as they walked the iconic stretch of Ali`i Drive. Led by IRONMAN triathlon co-founders John and Judy Collins, Bob Babbitt, Julie Moss, Mark Allen, and 2025 Inductee Cherie Gruenfeld, the parade was a vibrant display of unity, diversity, and the shared spirit of endurance that defines the IRONMAN `Ohana.

E Komo Mai (Welcome) Banquet: On Thursday evening, the E Komo Mai Banquet welcomed the IRONMAN `Ohana as it brought together athletes from around the world, as well as their families and supporters, in celebration of the women set to compete in the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Attendees were treated to a full program of cultural performances, produced videos, and welcome speeches.

Racked and Ready: The pier was awash with nervous energy and excitement today as the professional and amateur women racked their bikes and dropped off their gear bags before getting an early night ahead of the IRONMAN World Championship. Kat Matthews of Great Britain looks locked in as she drops her bike off and prepares for her second start on the Island of Hawaii.