Photos by Ray Vidal
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by Kevin CodyOver the decades, the Hermosa Beach Ironman has pacified neighbors, and city officials by moving the formerly underground event from vacant lots to the beach, requiring registration, donating proceeds to local charities, starting the event early, and leaving the beach cleaner than it was before the competition.
None of which has dented the primordial appeal that has made the Hermosa Ironman a rite of passage for young men and, increasingly, young women.
This July 4, over 600 competitors, the largest number ever, signed up to run a mile, paddle a mile, and chug a six pack without being dq’d for upchucking.
The top male and female finishers were Shane Gallas, and Annie Seawright-Newton, both of whom also won last year. Seawright-Newton won her first Hermosa Ironman in 1993, when she became the first woman to participate in the event.
Next year, the Hermosa Beach Ironman will celebrate its Golden Anniversary.
Which raises an issue formerly underground events that enter the mainstream must eventually confront.
“It’s time for you young bucks and babes to step up and take over,” former Hermosa Beach Councilman “Burgie” Benz, the event’s longtime, unofficial organizer, screamed into the mic, after reminding everyone to kick their empties into the pile in the middle of the mosh pit. ER
Photos by Mike Balzer
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Photos by Kevin Cody
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