Ironman & Friends

Ironman & Friends

Run annually since 1978, the Ironman Triathlon World Championship (808/329-0063. www.ironmanlive.com) is the granddaddy of them all. For about a week prior to Race Day (the third Saturday of October), Kailua-Kona takes on the air of an Olympic Village as top athletes from across the globe arrive to compete for glory and $580,000 in prize money at the world's premiere swim/bike/run endurance event. To watch these 1,700 competitors push themselves to the ultimate in this grueling event is an inspiring testament to the human spirit. The competition starts at Kailua Pier with a 2.4-mi open-water swim, immediately followed by a 112-mi bicycle ride, then a 26.2-mi marathon. The Ironman wouldn't happen without the 7,000 volunteers who donate their time and services. To volunteer, register online at the Ironman Web site.

The Honu Half-Ironman Triathlon (808/329-0063. www.honuhalfironman.com) in early June is an Ironman "farm team event." Participants swim at Hapuna beach, bike the Ironman course, and run on the Mauna Lani resort grounds.

Supermen/women do the Ironman. A few notches down on the difficulty scale, but still extremely challenging, is the Manna-Man Eco-Biathlon (808/989-3655. www.bigislandraceschedule.com), held the last Sunday in March. The race occurs in and around Kealakekua Bay. You're required to either wear or carry your shoes while swimming (points are given for creative ways to keep em with you, and you're penalized for leaving equipment or trash anywhere on the racecourse).

How about racing on an active volcano? No, you're not trying to outrun flowing lava (which is actually not much of a challenge, given the speed at which it usually travels). The Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs (808/985-8725. www.volcanoartcenter.org) includes a marathon, 10-mi and 5-mi races, and a noncompetitive 5-mi run-walk. This July event is held completely within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

For the most current race information, check out the Big Island Race Schedule (www.bigislandraceschedule.com/race_links.html).