Valerie Silk took over organizing duties for the race from Collins -- after he was transferred by the Navy from Hawaii to Washington , D.C. -- .
Valerie Silk moved the Ironman from Waikiki to Kona , on the big island of Hawaii , in 1981 .
Valerie Silk took over organizing duties for the race from Collins -- after he was transferred by the Navy from Hawaii to Washington , D.C. -- and moved the Ironman from Waikiki to Kona , on the big island of Hawaii , in 1981 .