Hermosa Beach Ironman 2011, [PHOTOS]

Hermosa’s busy Fourth of July started off with at least 450 people taking part in the very unofficial “Hermosa Iron Man” contest, running on the beach, paddling in the ocean and returning to the sand to chug a six-pack of beer and throw it up in foaming gouts. Photos

The overall winners, those with the fastest times who did not throw up their beer, were Chris Brown – who has won several times before – and Chris Smith, both of whom completed the course in 19 minutes.

Patrick Sweeny finished third, just one minute slower.

The winner among the women was Andrea Bates with a time of 22.04. Annie Seawright, who had won the previous four years, came in second at 23 minutes.