Henderson still King of the Hill

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Hawaii Cycling Club held its first Mauna Loa Observatory Road cycling time trial Saturday.

Hawaii Cycling Club held its first Mauna Loa Observatory Road cycling time trial Saturday.

The cyclists began at the turnoff near Mauna Loa Observatory Road (off Saddle Road), taking on a 16.9-mile climb and 4,400-foot elevation gain to the finish line at the Mauna Loa Observatory.

The day was bright and clear; cyclists took in breathtaking views as they climbed the island’s second highest mountain.

Penn Henderson sealed his title as King of the Hill, claiming first place overall with a lead of 5 minutes, 30 seconds. Henderson climbed the mountain at an average speed of 12.4 miles per hour, crossing the finish line in an amazing 1:21:47.

Maxfield La Fortune took second place with a time of 1:27:15, and Sean Maynard was third (1:33:39).

Kym Kiser, the Queen of the Hill, placed 13th overall and first for the women. Kiser finished the hill climb in a speedy time of 1:48:13, averaging 9.37 miles per hour. Pamela Harlow finished second (2:10:29), and Shirley Pratt was third (2:18:32).

Congratulations to all the cyclists who conquered the Mauna Loa Observatory Road time trial.

The next Hawaii Cycling Club time trial will take place Aug. 4. The course will take the cyclists from the bottom of Kaloko Drive to the finish line located 6.25 miles away at the top of Kaloko. This race will have a total elevation gain of 2,900 feet.

On Sunday, the Greg Cameron Hapuna Run/Swim will take place at 9 a.m. at Hapuna Beach State Park. This race is a fundraiser for the Greg Cameron Fireman’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping firefighters in our community and their families when faced with prolonged sickness or injury. The race course includes a 400-meter swim and a one-mile beach run.

Race day registration will begin at 7 a.m. at Hapuna Beach. The entry fee of $25 includes a hat, postrace refreshments and an entry to win a grand prize.

Also on Sunday, it’s time to break out the red, white, and blue one more time. Frozen Pea Productions will host the Peaman Red, White and Blue Biathlon at 8 a.m. Hawaiian time near Kailua Pier. This month’s race will include a half-mile swim in Kailua Bay and a 3.5-mile run along scenic Alii Drive.

As always, there will be a short course — a 200-yard swim and a one-mile run. Relays, fins, snorkels, masks and strollers are all welcome. This community event is free and open to all.

Hope to see you all out there. Until next time, happy training.