2012 Ironman World Championship: NBC showing triathlon from Kona

Ryan Hudson

NBC's recap of the 2012 Ironman World Championship airs Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. The two-hour highlight show will offer an exclusive look at a race that takes the fittest athletes in the world through a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run.

What: 2012 Ironman World Championship

When: Saturday, Oct. 27, 4-6 p.m. ET

Where: NBC (the race itself happened in Kona, Hawaii, two weeks ago)

So what is this exactly: This is NBC's tape-delayed (the race itself occurred on Oct. 13), two-hour program that condenses 17 hours of racing into a riveting, powerful and often emotional recap.

The race features some of the most renowned names in the sport of IRONMAN, including Craig Alexander, Chris McCormick, Pete Jacobs, Leanda Cave, Mirinda Carfrae, and more. These profiles will culminate on race day, where viewers will see the intense competition among athletes and the determination within while they battle the sweltering 90 degree heat. IRONMAN's embedded crews have captured not only the intensity of one of the most competitive pro races in IRONMAN history, but also gives the viewer an inside look into what makes these athletes tick.

What's the race: It's the world championship for the Ironman. An Ironman distance triathlon is a 2.4-mile swim, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and then ends with a 26.2-mile run, a marathon. The pros finish in a bit more than eight hours. The amateurs and age-groupers have until midnight, and some need the full 17 hours to complete the exhausting day.

Are there other things I could read or watch before the race: Of course!

To get you excited, here's a quick highlight video from ASICS that focuses on Pete Jacobs, the overall winner, and Andy Potts, the top American finisher.