Run, paddle, chug: The Hermosa Beach Ironman, a quintessential Hermosa Beach tradition, returned for its 52nd edition on Independence Day 2025
The Hermosa Beach Ironman is an event that could not happen “anywhere else other than Hermosa,” said organizer Shelby Benz.
The event, which takes place on July 4th at 8 a.m. Friday, features a one mile run, paddling a mile and then chugging six beers on the beach. Competitors are alloted 20 minutes afterwards, and whoever has the best time without throwing up, wins.
Some 1,500 people participated in this year’s event, where local waterman Blake Vogleslang won his first Hermosa Beach Ironman, outlasting previous winner Shane Gallas. Annie Seawright-Newton, competing in her 19th Hermosa Ironman, was the first woman to finish.