Photographer Paul Phillips' Top Ironman World Championship Photos

Photos by: Paul Phillips with Nick Morales and Bob Kupbens

In honor of what would have been Ironman World Championship race week, we asked several photographers to share their top images from shooting the iconic event. Today, photographer Paul Phillips shares his favorite images from the Big Island. Phillips shares the images in swim/bike/run order but keep an eye on the dates as the images actually span almost a decade of racing.

Oct. 11, 2014 – The sun rises at Dig Me Beat as both pros and age-group athletes prepare for another Kona adventure.

Oct. 10, 2015 – The female age-group athletes prepare to head out to the in-water start.

Oct. 9, 2010 – At my first Kona in 2010 I had hoped to shoot an interesting start photo. Having picked my spot on Friday, I used a fisheye lens and was able to capture the age-group mass start with a mix of male and female athletes.

Oct. 8, 2016 – The cannon fires, the surfboards turn, and hundreds of athletes get to execute the plan they have been working for. Many get kicked in the face and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Oct. 11, 2014 – Andy Potts and Jan Frodeno exited the water side by side and the duel on the roads was about to begin.

Oct. 9, 2010 – Dirk Bockel comes out of transition and up the hill, yet to strap into his pedals.

Oct. 10, 2015 – Leanda Cave rides up Palani on the way out to the Queen K, with at least a temporary escort from NBC.

Oct. 10, 2015 – Sebastian Kienle leads the train of (legally distanced) pros on the Queen K.

Oct. 11, 2014 – Even with 2,000 athletes out on the course, the Queen K can still be a very lonely place. Andy Potts is accompanied by his shadow reflected in his glasses.

Oct. 8, 2016 – Hitching a ride on the Queen K train has its risks. Although the pros work hard to maintain legal distance, the refs still keep a very close eye on things. In the bike course penalty tent are Matt Reed, Brent McMahon, and Patrick Lange.

Oct. 12, 2013 – On one hand, the Queen K can be a very long and lonely road, but early in the day on the way to Hawi, athletes, marshals and media move like a living organism, cautious and respectful.

Oct. 11, 2014 – Similar to the leaders, the age-group athletes can get congested, with most working to stay a legal distance.

Photo: Nils

Oct. 14, 2017 – Under the watchful eye of the NBC helicopter, Andy Potts crests one of the many hills on the Queen K.

Oct. 13, 2018 – Daniela Ryf puts the hammer down, riding alone but chasing early leader Lucy Charles.

Oct. 13, 2018 – Patrick Lange on his way to T2, passing the Kona Airport on the way in.

Oct. 12, 2013 – Andrew Starykowicz gets a quick look at the leaderboard as of mile 40.

Oct. 13, 2018 – Lucy Charles hanging on the her lead eager to get to T2.

Oct. 13, 2018 – American Heather Jackson out on the course in her highly-coordinate race kit and bike.

Oct. 12, 2013 – Luke McKenzie follows the lead car back to T2.

Oct. 8, 2016 – With the unrelenting heat rising off the pavement at the Energy Lab, Ben Hoffman turns in his final miles.

Oct. 8, 2016 – Tim O’Donnell runs past one of the scenic spots in the early miles of the marathon.

Photo: Nils Nilsen

Oct. 10, 2015 – Daniela Ryf strong and relaxed heading toward her first Kona win.

Oct. 13, 2018 – Anne Haug makes the transition from her ITU and Olympic career to long distance with a podium finish. Spoiler: she took the victory the next year.

Oct. 13, 2018 – Two of the biggest and strongest stars of triathlon, Andrew Starykowicz and Tim Don, support each other in the toughest miles of the race.

Oct. 8, 2011 – The pounding coming down Palani the final time, although close to the finish is not easy, Craig Alexander runs through the crowd on the way to his victory.