All is well, Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman returns
Photos by JP Cordero
Proof that Hermosa Beach has returned to pre pandemic normalcy was demonstrated Sunday morning when over 500 people competed in the 47th Annual Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman.
Last year’s Ironman was cancelled because of the pandemic, leading to fears that another Hermosa tradition might fail to rebound.
Surfer Shane Gallas, of Manhattan Beach, and runner Annie Seawright-Newton, of Hermosa Beach were presented with the traditional Hermosa Beach Ironman street signs for finishing first in their divisions.
Gallas finished the mile run, and mile paddle in an impressive 15:30, and downed his six pack, without a single upchuck, in an even more impressive 8:30. It was his first Ironman victory in over a dozen attempts.
Seawright continued her domination of the women’s division with her 15th first place finish since she began competing in 1993.
The Ironman was preceded by the traditional “Star Spangled Banner” sing-a-long, led by Shelby Benz, and ended with a mosh pit driven by the band Neckbreaker. Lead singer Matt Rees is a 30-year Marine veteran. He was backed by Ian Suterland, Ravl Kelly and Ken Thun.
Competitors must run a mile in the soft sand, paddle a mile, and then down a six pack, without vomiting.
This year’s Ironman raised over $20,000 for local charities through the $35 registration fee, and shirt and hat sales, according to former Hermosa Beach mayor Robert “Burgie” Benz, who has helped organize the event since 1979. ER