KAILUA-KONA — While most of the population is still in a tryptophan-induced coma following a night of festive feasting, 36 athletes will be starting one of the most daunting athletic endeavors in the world.
KAILUA-KONA — While most of the population is still in a tryptophan-induced coma following a night of festive feasting, 36 athletes will be starting one of the most daunting athletic endeavors in the world.
The Ultraman World Championships — a three-day, 320-mile individual ultra-endurance event — kicks off from Kailua Bay on Friday and runs through Sunday.
Appropriately, the race is placed around Thanksgiving, not only strategical for the volunteers and support crews, but also because it always turns into a big family reunion.
“The people are from all over, but it is a real close-knit group. A lot of people try to come back every year,” race director Jane Bockus said. “There are copycat races, but this is an event that is one of a kind.”
Stage I features a 6.2-mile ocean swim to Keauhou Bay. The morning dip is followed by a bike ride from Keauhou around the southern tip of the island, finishing at Kilauea Military Camp in the Volcanoes National Park.
The second day takes athletes on a scenic 171.4-mile bike ride from Volcano to Keaau, then turning east with a loop through Kalapana, Kapoho and Pahoa, then through Hilo. From Hilo, the route continues north along the Hamakua Coast to Waimea, finishing at Kamehameha Park in Kapaau, just north of Hawi.
A double-marathon — 52.4 miles — awaits for the final day, with the route running from Hawi to Kawaihae then back to Kona where everything will wrap up at Kekuaokalani Gym.
Last year the event had to deal with the June 27th Lava Flow, but there have been no major adjustments made to the course this year. However, there have been some inquires about dengue fever, with one athlete citing the outbreak as a reason for dropping out.
The first finishers are expected to come in around noon on Sunday, but Bockus was careful to not use the word, “winners.”
“Everyone who finishes is a winner,” Bockus said. “They all get the same trophy with their name and time. We don’t say what place.”
Support crews help athletes get to the finish line. Some are former finishers, and many are from the Big Island community. Some of the duties include the exchange of food, drink, spare parts and tools — as long as such action does not create a hazard or give unfair advantage to any athlete or team.
“Support crews are critical,” Bockus said. “They commit to three days to helping out, and it’s no small task. But just like the athletes, a lot of them want to continue to be a part of this race because of the reunion.”
Bockus said usually 90-95 percent of the field finish, but it depends on the year. She can remember one edition of the race where 17 people didn’t make the cut on the swim because of a tide change and some nasty currents.
“We hope for good weather and no currents,” Bockus said.