Kona Underpants Run

Overview

IF IT’S THURSDAY IN KONA, IT’S THE UNDERPANTS RUN!

THURSDAY || OCTOBER 24 || 7:30 AM || KAILUA-KONA

The UPR was conceived in 1998 by Chris Danahy, Tim Morris, and Paul Huddle as a protest against wearing Speedos in inappropriate places (stores, restaurants, etc.). It has since morphed into a pre-race ice breaker and local fund raiser that has become an integral part of the IRONMAN World Championship event week.

Over the years the Kona UPR has raised over $360,000 for race community giveback through registration and merchandise donations. We welcome all ages, all genders and all bodies as we celebrate the Aloha spirit that accompanies this incredible one-of-a-kind race week spectacle!

Not able to attend in person, race week, at Kona? No problem! We got you covered with our *Virtual Kona UPR and social media contest!

**PLEASE NOTE: Any online Active.com registrations placed after Monday, October 21 at 6 PM Central Standard Time will choose their WOOD Underwear and any additional purchased 2024 KUPR merchandise at the IRONMAN Village Expo/Packet Pickup (Tuesday 10/22: 12 PM - 7 PM | Wednesday 10/23 10 AM - 4 PM local time) OR KUPR Race Morning at the King Kamehameha Hotel parking lot (Thursday 10/24: 6:15 AM - 7:15 AM local time)

2024 REGISTRATION HERE

Tell me MORE

This one-of-a-kind event, presented by the IRONMAN Foundation, is a fundraiser for the Hawaiian community. Your donation to participate will support The IRONMAN Foundation and its mission to create positive, tangible change in race communities through grant funding and volunteerism.

Since 2003, The IRONMAN Foundation, in partnership with The IRONMAN Group, has provided more than $55 million in charitable giveback to 10,000 organizations around the world.

Your $30 participation donation secures you an official spot on the Kona UPR start line, as well as a pair of Wood Underwear (official Underpants of the KUPR!) PLUS the opportunity to purchase official merchandise items (soft-blend tee, BOCO trucker run hat). All items are available on a first come first served basis and until supplies sell out. Participants will also have the opportunity to acquire additional 2024 Kona UPR merchandise at $30 donation per item.

*For those taking part in the virtual event, we regret not being able to send you an official 2024 Kona UPR merchandise item. We will however be holding a #2024KUPR Social Media contest that will allow for you to showcase your own UPR efforts and compete for some amazing prizes! More info to come, but winners will need to be officially registered in the 2024 Kona UPR virtual race in order to qualify for prizes.

What is the Kona UPR Course?

The Underpants Run (UPR) is a 1.5 – 2 mile (approximately) out and back fun-run on Alii Drive, starting and ending at the parking lot of the King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Plan for multiple stop-and-go moments while on the run course as spectators and participants alike enjoy photos, cheer stations and comradery.

Who can participate?

All ages, including children, are welcome to participate.
Strollers are allowed.
Well behaved pets on leash are allowed.
Please no bikes or motorcycles while on the course (we will provide official lead vehicles for your safety).

What do I wear?

Plain and simple UNDERPANTS or any outfit of your creative choice.
Women should have proper tops/covering.
No public nudity allowed!

Please remember, this is a family friendly event!

How do I participate?

Log on to the official ACTIVE page and complete your donation to participate in the 2024 UPR.
Encourage your friends to join in on the fun either in-person or virtual!
Choose your race day outfit and start training!
If you are in person for race week, make plans to pick up your race packet and official 2024 UPR merchandise in the IRONMAN Village

What is the event schedule?

**Packet Pick-Up:

Tuesday, October 22: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM – IRONMAN Village
Wednesday, October 23: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM – IRONMAN Village
Race morning, Thursday October 24: 6:15-7:15am – Race Site

Race Morning, Thursday October 24:

6:30 – 7:15 AM race day registration/packet pickup – King Kamehameha Hotel back parking lot
7:15am – Official reading of the UPR rules and obligations. Warm Up.
7:30am – Kona UPR begins!
8:10 - 8:30am – Raffle winners announced

**Please note for online registrations placed after Monday, October 21, 6:00 PM:

If you place a registration online after this time, you will choose your Wood Underwear at packet pickup and any additionally purchased 2024 KUPR merchandise. Registrations placed prior to this cut off will have their Wood Underwear and 2024 KUPR merchandise set aside and reserved for packet pickup times.

Are there awards?

This is not a competitive run, there are no timing chips and there is no award medal ceremony. However, by sharing your race day selfies, videos, stories, reels, and more…you will definitely make your momma proud and gain a significant following on your FB/IG profile! Don't forget to tag your photos: #2024KUPR #KonaUPR

But in all seriousness…the greatest award will be knowing that you were able to make a difference in the race community through The IRONMAN Foundation’s grant and volunteerism givebacks. For that we truly thank you! Mahalo.

Who do I contact?

For any inquiries about 2024 Kona UPR sponsorship, volunteering for the event, or participation, please contact Andrea Fisher, IMF Development Manager, at andrea.fisher@ironman.com