Peaman Biathlons are back and just in the nick of time. With summer in full swing there’s no better way to beat the heat while staying active than a fun dip-n-dash at Kaiakeakua Beach.
On Sunday June 26t, the popular swim-run returns with Peaman’s Sizzling Summer Sprint Biathlon featuring a 1/3-mile swim followed by a 2-mile run. The LavaKids PeaWee course also returns with a 200-yard swim and 1-mile run.
“It’s exciting because it’s been so long — more like two years and three months to be exact,” said Frozen Peas Production event organizer, Sean “Peaman” Pagett. “It feels a bit confusing too because we haven’t had one for so long. When something has been routine for 33 years and then you stop doing it, it does feel kind of weird to get it back in order again.”
The monthly Peaman Biathlon events have been a staple on the Big Island calendar for the past three decades offering a free, fun, family-oriented swim in Kailua Bay followed by a short run on Alii Drive. The event is geared for all fitness levels where participants range from beginners to professional athletes with several divisions offered to include just about everyone.
The last biathlon event to occur was the Zoomin’ Zak Plunge and Plod Biathlon — a ½-mile swim and 3.9-mile run held on March 1, 2020 — prior to the COVID-19 restrictions that affected all sporting events on the Big Island.
“I’m just excited mostly because I know people are looking forward to it,” Peaman said. “And I know having it a couple of weeks after Honu is perfect because people get really motivated around big events like Honu and Ironman. People start to think of trying something new like triathlons, but need something fun and without pressure to get their feet wet.
“I also feel excited to see kids getting back to what they love doing — being outside and active. They waited so long for this and we are doing everything in our power to make it happen.”
Peaman said he’s planning on organizing the swim-runs the same way he’s done for 33 years. Start time for the free event is 8:08 a.m. at Kaiakeakua Beach. No registration fees or signup necessary — just sign out when “pau” (finished). Parents may accompany their child during the swim-run and the morning concludes with a toy giveaway to all young participants.
Peaman added he is still looking for more volunteers to help out with water patrol, morning set-up, and post-event break down — mainly to put things away. Anyone wishing to bring some individually wrapped snacks or refreshments are also welcomed.
“I think our first event back, it’s going to be a small turnout,” said Peaman, who feels hopeful to return the biathlons to a monthly schedule. “Most events are small as some people are still hesitant to being near crowds. It’s also been two years since we last had a biathlon.
“I just like to see the kids and families getting out and exercising together, whether it be for fitness or just setting goals to further their sport. I really enjoy seeing our local Keiki progress, being outdoors, active, and just be able to play, race and have fun with all of their friends and family. That’s most important to me and what motivates me to bring it back.”
Anyone interested in volunteering contact Peaman at 808-938-2296.