Thursday in Kona … Must be Time to Run in Your Underwear

October 8, 2026

It’s a tradition that dates back to 1998. Paul Huddle and a few friends decided they needed to send a message to all the folks walking around in their Speedo swim suits all week, while also dispelling some of the pre-race nerves that are inevitable when you’re getting ready for the IRONMAN World Championship. Huddle’s coaching partner at Multisports.com (along with their wives Paula Newby-Fraser and Heather Fuhr), Roch Frey, joined in the action in 1998 – there were a dozen people who were part of the run that year.

There were a lot more than a dozen at this year’s event – there were 850 official entrants, but the crowd sure seemed a lot larger than that. The Underpants Run has steadily grown over the years, and is now an official part of the race week program. Over the years over US$400,000 has been raised for local charities. This year’s event raised over $36,000.

Here are some shots from today’s festivities:

*^{Roch Frey is one of the founders of the Underpants Run.}*

*^{Slowtwitch’s own Tech Editor Anthony Chan (right) with Jill and Doug Walker.}*

*^{Michellie Jones (left) fell while running in the Energy Lab yesterday and broke her collarbone. That didn’t stop her from taking part today.}*

*^{Craig Alexander (left) joined in the fun.}*

*^{And must have done a costume change.}*

Notable Replies

doug_in_co says:

October 9, 2026

I am weirdly encouraged by seeing Roch and Craig Alexander with the same soft little belly that I am sporting now.. ha
anon77013803 says:

October 9, 2026

Roch has a soft belly, wtf? think you need some glasses bro…
doug_in_co says:

October 9, 2026

compared to Nick Chase, and the rest of us when we were young..
kajet says:

October 9, 2026

Running in run shorts (any shorts) or swim gear is bullcrap. GTFO poseurs