All is well, Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman returns
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Photos by JP Cordero
by Kevin Cody
Proof that Hermosa Beach has returned to pre pandemic normalcy was demonstrated Sunday morning when over 500 people competed in the 47th Annual Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman.
Last year’s Ironman was cancelled because of the pandemic, leading to fears that another Hermosa tradition might fail to rebound.
Surfer Shane Gallas, of Manhattan Beach, and runner Annie Seawright-Newton, of Hermosa Beach were presented with the traditional Hermosa Beach Ironman street signs for finishing first in their divisions.
Gallas finished the mile run, and mile paddle in an impressive 15:30, and downed his six pack, without a single upchuck, in an even more impressive 8:30. It was his first Ironman victory in over a dozen attempts.
Hermosa, Manhattan, Redondo beaches were battleground in pandemic
SHARE Eventually surfing was allowed but beach volleyball was prohibited. The county took down the volleyball nets. Photo by JP Cordero
In May, while elsewhere in the country tensions flared between police and protesters, Hermosa Beach Police Officer Bill Higgins and beach closure protesters Ashley Puida and Aaron Reed negotiated an amicable resolution near the Hermosa Pier. The protesters were allowed on the beach, but only for 30 minutes. Photo
Eventually surfing was allowed but beach volleyball was prohibited. The county took down the volleyball nets. Photo by JP Cordero
The Hermosa Beach Fourth of July Ironman is traditionally held on the beach and raises up to $20,000 for local charities. Because the beach was closed on the Fourth, this year’s Ironman was celebrated in an alley in Hermosa. Over $10,000 was raised from the sale of shirts, hats and new this year bandanas. Proceeds went t