It’s been a quite couple of weeks for athletes here in Kona — a lot of them have spent their time swimming, running and biking in familiar training grounds getting ready for the races to come.
It’s been a quite couple of weeks for athletes here in Kona — a lot of them have spent their time swimming, running and biking in familiar training grounds getting ready for the races to come.
The countdown for the Ford Ironman World Championship on Oct. 13 has begun. With only 36 days left before the race, the triathletes are putting in their time for the big race. Congratulations to all who made it into this year’s race, and good luck as you train for your big day.
As we get closer to race day, more and more athletes will be coming into town. As you all know, close to 2,000 athletes compete in the Ironman world championship each year. This means there will be an increase in people training on our roads during the next few weeks — mainly on Alii Drive and Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Please use caution while driving in the next few weeks. Mahalo for your kokua!
Speaking of Ironman, Kona’s own Bree Wee made history on Aug. 26 at Ironman Louisville, becoming the first Hawaiian resident to win an Ironman-distance event. All the painful hours biking Queen Kaahumanu Highway, rough swims in Kailua Bay and long runs in the heat paid off with a sweet victory for this triathlete mom. Wee crossed the finish line in 9 hours, 36 minutes, 14 seconds.
We are so proud of our hometown Ironwoman hero and wish her the best. Keep using the amazing talents that God has blessed you with. We are excited to see where you go in the future.
This weekend, the races start up here in Kona again.
On Sunday, the Run for Hope will take place at 7 a.m. at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The event features a 5-kilometer run/walk and a 10k run. Early registration is recommended, and you must make a small donation.
Also on Sunday, Frozen Pea Productions will host the Wee and DLT Whirled Peas Biathlon. The race includes a ¾-mile swim in Kailua Bay and a 3.9-mile run along Alii Drive. As always, there will be a shorter keiki race and a run-only start.
The race starts at 8:03 a.m. Hawaiian time at Kailua Pier.
Hope to see everyone out there this weekend. And, as always, happy training.