Ironman - It Begins

The Ironman begins with a 2.4 mile swim. That means 2500 folks swimming in the chilly ocean at the same time. 

The athletes go out, swim around some buoys and then head back to shore.

And they have to do it twice - the swim is actually two 1.2 mile loops.

It was hard to find Marc in the sea of wetsuits and swim caps - everyone looks the same. But I did get this shot of him (lower left) as he headed back out for his second loop.

After the swim is complete, the athletes run up and volunteers help take the wetsuits off.  Then they go and change for the 112 bike ride. . .