KAILUA-KONA — It turned out to be another beautiful Sunday morning for Peaman’s 436th Biathlon event, as nearly 70 biathletes gathered at Kaiakeakua Beach for the ½-mile swim and 3.1-mile run.
Since the first event on November 25, 1987, Frozen Peas Productions organizer Sean “Peaman” Pagett has been committed to helping the community enjoy an active lifestyle by offering a fun swim and run that is free to all. These monthly biathlons truly reflect Peaman’s mission of making physical activity accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of experience.
Over the years, Peaman Biathlons have become a launchpad for aspiring athletes. With a laid-back vibe that encourages fun over competition, many have found a love for the sport through these no-pressure races.
“What’s fun is seeing our locals — whether it’s a Pea Wee doing the short course or some of our high school athletes who come out, just to watch them move up the ranks over the years, find their love for the sport, and progressively work their way to the front of the pack is always nice to see,” Peaman said. “For example, Archer Ankrum is still the youngest to ever win a Peaman Biathlon at age 10. I like seeing our locals use Peamans as a stepping stone, or a launching pad toward their sport of choice, or even Ironman. There’s really nothing better than coming out for a Peaman biathlon event.”
In the long course competition, it was no surprise to see Archer Ankrum dominate to win the ½-mile swim and 3.1-mile run in a fantastic time of 35 minutes and 43 seconds. Peaman was next with his time of 37:59, with David Coates in third place at 40:19.
Ankrum made history when he became the youngest to win a Peaman Biathlon at age 10. Now, seven years later, the 17-year-old senior at Kealakehe High School, who currently runs on the varsity cross-country team and swims for Kona Aquatics, is still the one to beat.
“It’s going great,” Ankrum said of his cross-country season. “We are about halfway through the season, but I’m excited for the championship meets to see how well I can perform. The BIIF championships is three weeks from now.”
Ankrum said that his running distance is typically a 5K, but feels passionate to compete in all three sports of swimming, cycling and running. For Ankrum, participating in the free monthly biathlon is all about being part of the “Peaman community.”
“We all have a relationship with each other, and we all like to support and cheer each other on,” Ankrum said. “The effort I put forth at these events is about the same, in fact probably more. As the years go by I kind of reflect upon these events and think, wow, what a great opportunity for myself, my family and community.”
In the women’s division, Kailua-Kona’s Laura Yamasaki easily won with her time of 43:59. Jess Robinson and Kawehi Zoller claimed the next two spots with their times of 53:33 and 58:13, respectively.
With the Ironman World Championships quickly approaching on October 26, Peaman said the name of this event, the Peaman International Biathlon, felt more relevant than ever.
“What’s cool about this race is that we usually get some faster athletes or professional athletes in town because of the upcoming Ironman,” Peaman said. “We get to meet some new people from other states or countries. We also still get people who drive all the way from Hilo just to participate. I’d like to see more of our local athletes — both youth and adults — come out and have fun.”
The next Peaman Biathlon events will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3, and Sunday, Nov. 24, at Kaiakeakua Beach. For more information or to volunteer contact Peaman at (808) 938-2296.