Triathletes blow off steam in their underpants

Two days before the Ironman World Championship, hundreds of athletes showed off some of their best stuff.

The Associated Press

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii —

Two days before the Ironman World Championship, hundreds of athletes showed off some of their best stuff.

The Underpants Run started as a way to poke fun at European triathletes strolling around town in their Speedos. The 12th annual charitable event has grown into a much anticipated pre-race spectacle on the Big Island.

Thursday morning, 400 athletes trooped along a mile of the famous race course, dressed in their finest undergarments.

Paul Huddle is a retired triathlete and Underpants Run organizer. He says the world championship is an important race for the athletes, and the charity event "is just a fun way to release some of the pre-race tension."

The event raised more than $5,000 for local charities, including West Hawaii Special Olympics.

Here are some pictures shot by Teresa Nelson (she's the hottie on the right!)...