Kona on the Big Island Hosts World Famous Triathlon
On October 10, more than 1,000 world-class athletes will converge upon Kailua Kona to compete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship.
This annual competition – which is the defining race of all triathlons worldwide – begins with a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and then a 26.2 mile run.
Not just anyone can enter this triathlon, however. To get in you have to win a spot through a lottery system or else earn a spot through one of the qualifying events held around the world, and they are all very competitive because everyone wants a spot in this prestigious event.
Don’t expect it to be easy, though, because only 1,800 people will succeed in getting a spot to compete, out of tens of thousands who try. The field will include athletes from 50 different countries, and from all 50 of the United States.
If you do earn a spot in the Ironman competition, then expect to confront some very tough conditions including ocean waves during the swim and potentially searing heat during the biking and running portions of the race through landscapes of former lava flows.
The Ironman concept began after some local athletes at a 1977 Honolulu relay race began discussing holding the three endurance race events – swimming, biking, running – in a single day. One of the athletes stated to the group that that whoever won would be declared the “Ironman.”
For more information call 808 329 0063 or email kona@ironman.com