Day of the banquet - 13.10

Pancakes for breakfast again - it is Sunday after all :) And a slow morning with no exercise is just so pleasant :) Slept for almost 12 hours - nicely rested and happy now.

Made our way to the beach by swimming course and did a quick open water swim. Driving through the town it is amazing of how quickly all the tents and course markings and finish areas and transition areas are picked up. And unfortunately all the buoys on the swimming course are gone as well. Glad that the fish on the bottom are still as entertaining as before :D

It is starting to sink in that we have only few days left here - laid on the beach for an hour or so, just to enjoy the sun one last time. Some rented the boards where you can stand on and paddle your way around. Due to my awful balance I did not have fun on it, but at least I got to try going back and fourth down the beach :)

In the evening there is a banquet for all the athletes and participants and their families. There were long discussions if we should attend or not, but I decided to go. It is the banquet of World Championships and this opportunity does not come along very often so now is the time to use the chance.

Banquet of the champions - Hawaii Ironman 2013

I've attended one other banquet after the race in Florida Ironman - this one here is about 4 times bigger it seems like. The program was quite extensive with local dancers, singers and fire throwers on the stage. Speeches by different officials and Ironman corporation workers were held. Awards ceremony for all age groupers and for PRO's was the last event in the program ... and it took the longest. Meanwhile lots of food and cake of course :) Two and a half hours later the show was over and home we went.