This year we actually witnessed a Hermosa tradition: the fourth of July Ironman competition, wherein participants run a mile on the sand, paddle in the water for a mile and then chug a 6-pack of beer — all early in the morning. The first person to do so without puking is the winner.

This has been going on since 1974, and last year we tried to catch it but had the location wrong. (Oops.) So we missed the festivities captured on-camera with a KTLA reporter. Mindful how messy it can get up close, we kept a healthy distance during the chug portion this morning.

And they’re off!

One of the first to hit the water

Running for his paddle

Chugfest