Hawai'i Island and Kona are well known for the Ironman Triathlon, a 140 mile swim, bike run event that takes place each October. But starting tomorrow, an even more grueling endurance event will begin.
On the Big Island on Friday, 40 very dedicated athletes from all over the world will embark on the first leg of the Ultraman Triathlon, an endurance event which covers 320 miles of swimming, biking, and running.
On Friday, they will swim 6.2 miles from Kailua Pier to Keauhou Bay, plus ride their bikes 90 miles through South Kona, down to Honaunau, south to Ocean View, and back to Keauhou. Saturday’s bike ride is 171 miles, from Kona to Waikoloa, then over Saddle Road to Hilo, and up the Hamakua Coast to North Kohala, ending at Kapa’a Park.
The final leg, Sunday, is a 52.4 mile run back down to Kailua-Kona. The 40 invited athletes had to qualify in other Ironman or Ultraman events to participate, and must provide their own escorts. The $1800 entry fee includes five meals, three massages, and medical insurance. And there is always lots of aloha at no charge from supporters around the Big Island.
