KAILUA-KONA — In a remarkable journey spanning 36 years showcasing Peaman’s popular monthly biathlon events, the Sunday after Thanksgiving is always a great reminder of how it all began — with a simple swim in Kailua Bay.
While many may not remember the iconic 1.3-mile Post Pig-out Plunge that took place on Nov. 29, 1987, that Sunday marked the beginning of a longstanding tradition that celebrated their 426th event on Nov. 26. The excitement from being a peaticipant still filled the air as Sunday’s Peamania held at Kaiakeakua Beach featuring a 1/2-mile swim in Kailua Bay followed by a 2-mile sprint on Alii Drive attracted a field of over 100 biathletes.
Organized by Frozen Peas Productions, the swim-run aims to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle for all fitness levels. The biathlon continues to be a community gathering dedicated to inclusivity — offering multiple divisions to cater to everyone’s interests and strengths.
Whether you’re an experienced swimmer and runner, or have a preference for one discipline over the other, there’s always an option for you. Athletes have the choice of participating in the swim-run division to demonstrate their skills in both swimming and running, or can select from the swim-only, run-only or relay divisions, enabling them to concentrate on their favored discipline.
Kailua-Kona’s Nathan Coates won the long-course division of a 1/2-mile swim and 2-mile run in a speedy time of 26:50. Event organizer, Peaman, claimed second place with his time of 30:53, with Kealakehe High School cross-country standout, Elisa Childers, finishing third overall and first in the women’s division with her time of 32:01.
Following Peaman in the men’s race was David Coates in third place at 32:26. Elizabeth Torres and Jacey Coetzee claimed the women’s second and third podium spots with their times of 33-flat and 37:30 respectively.
In the shorter LavaKids Pea Wee event featuring a 200-yard swim and 1-mile run, Johnathan Adrassen and Leah Winkler claimed the male and female divisions with their times of 13:43 and 15:02.
The Peaman Biathlon event series has come a long way since that first swim in 1987. What started as a 1.3-mile plunge in Kailua Bay has evolved into a thriving monthly tradition, bringing together people of all backgrounds and abilities in the spirit of health, fitness and fun.
The next Peaman Biathlon is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 31 at 8:08 a.m. at Kaiakeakua Beach. Volunteers and donations are welcomed for this free community event. For more information about the Peaman Biathlon series, contact Peaman at (808) 938-2296.