The Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon is the daddy of them all. It was the first Ironman in the world back in 1978. Since then “Hawaii,” as it is known, has built a reputation as one of the toughest one day sporting events in the world.
The island hosts many legends about speed and endurance. Local mythology explains that one of the ancient kings could run so fast he could carry a fish from one side of the island to the other without letting it die.
The kings today, the athletes from all around the world, will be descending on Hawaii’s big island of Kona for the October 14th event.
These athletes don’t carry fish but they do carry the hopes and dreams of completing the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km marathon.
And if the distances are not hard enough the course takes athletes along the lava fields of the Queen K highway were temperatures rise above 40 degrees.
Despite the distances and conditions athletes over the years have dropped massive chunks of time.
The male winner back in 1978 did just under 12 hours. The race record today is just over 8 hours.
But while most aren’t trying to win the race it remains one of the toughest challenges in sport. The Hawaiian Ironman is an event worth checking out.
http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/world-championship.aspx#/axzz4tPCOXU1Z
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and Pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html