50th Anniversary Ironman more celebration than competition
Photos by Ray Vidal by Kevin Cody Chaos is the defining quality of the Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman. Most of the competitors puke before crossing the finish line. After running and paddling a mile competitors must chug a six-pack, and keep it down or be disqualified. Annie Seawright-Newton claims her 18th Hermosa Beach Ironman title. But this year, the Ironman’s 50th anniversary, there were two certainties. Annie Seawright-Newton would win, and Pennywise would close the event with the Ironman anthem, “Bro Hymn.” Seawright did win, as she has on 17 previous occasions. Pennywise did perform, after a decade-long absence. Pennywise first performed at the Hermosa Ironman in a vacant lot on Monterey Avenue, when the band was starting out. In recent years most of the band’s performances have been in stadiums around the world. Their Ironman appearance, which was assumed, but unannounced, was more an Old Hemrosa reunion than performance. After finishing second in several previous years, Tony Kostelak celebrates his first place finish. A less expected outcome was Tony Kostelak’s victory in the men’s division. The former Mira Costa football player and wrestler (2001), has been a…
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