Residents Celebrate Ironman History, City Questions Future

For now all is quiet along the beachfront of 29th street. But, this weekend the scene will change. Thousands of spectators are expected to cheer on participants in Hermosa Beach's annual Ironman competition on Sunday, an event steeped in as much controversy as tradition.

The 4th of July contest, which began in 1978, consists of running a mile in the sand, paddling a mile on a surfboard and promptly downing a six-pack of beer. The person who finishes first and manages to keep his or her beer and breakfast off the sand is declared the winner.

During its 33-year existence, the event has been in jeopardy of cancellation on multiple occasions. And this year is no different.

"Ironman is where we allowed [drinking on the beach] when it's not allowed," Mayor Michael DiVirgilio said at a city council meeting last week.

The council is honing in on the Ironman competition after multiple complaints from residents about the intoxicated behavior. An ongoing debate about the hours in which restaurants are permitted to serve alcohol to residents has also seemed to fuel newfound interest towards the drinking that happens at Ironman.

Recently, the city council held a review of the alcohol-related events that occur annually in Hermosa Beach with particular focus on the Ironman event. The council never voted on whether or not the Ironman should discontinue, however, the idea was presented.

In a recommendation from the parks, recreation and community resources advisory commission sent to the council, the commission advised to crack down on the event.

"Most of the participants experience a physiological reaction to the exertion and (rapid) consumption, which forces the participant to vomit and expel beer," the commission wrote in its report.  "It should also be noted that many participants drink colored water prior to the event in an effort to make the event's third phase more spectacular."

Due to the event's illegal activity, police presence in the area must be increased, the commission also wrote, although citations are typically not given to Ironman participants. City council seems to have now found itself between a rock and hard place according to these latest findings regarding Ironman.

"This event presents an obvious conflict with our own rules, policies and laws and subjects the city to criticism and potential liability," the advisory commission's report stated. But, "that said, the Hermosa Ironman has not experienced any major incidents over the years."

A typical Ironman event sees around 300 to 400 participants and thousands of spectators. Those who decide to race pay a $20 fee that is subsequently donated to charity. A local punk band sets up their instruments on the sand and provides the event's music. The tournament begins Sunday morning.