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Swim with Honu in the crystal blue waters of Hapuna Beach Beach Park on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. |
| Hapuna means "Spring of Life" in Hawaiian and you will feel the energy in this beautiful and serene bay. |  |
| "Challenging" and "inspiring" are terms often used to describe the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii bike course. |  |
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The scenic route follows the northern half of the famous Ford Ironman World Championship bike course on the legendary Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway up to Hawi and back. |
| Beauiful doesn't begin to describe the run course as it winds through the breathtaking Mauna Lani resort grounds. This is the only opportunity you will probably ever have to run on the gorgeous fairways of a world-class resort golf course without getting arrested! |  |
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From rolling over hills of green grass, to feeling the ocean breeze along the the stunning coastal bay, then heading all the way out to the petroglyph park, this run is truly a journey through paradise. |
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Ironman 70.3 Hawaii teams up with Host Hotel The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, for 2009
June 27, 2008
Registration is now open for Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, to be held on May 30, 2009. In its first five years, this internationally renowned race has garnered a reputation for providing competitors with first-class organization, tough competition, a challenging course and an opportunity to experience the aloha of the Big Island.
A sold-out field of 1,300 athletes and their loved ones enjoyed the experience of a lifetime around 2008's May 31st race, with a course that takes in the treasures of the historically and geologically-rich Kohala Coast of Hawaii. Event Director Diana Bertsch has been humbled by the positive response the race has received from professionals and age-groupers from around the world: "The support we've received from triathletes has been tremendous and we're already looking forward to welcoming the athletes back in 2009."
Ironman 70.3 Hawaii Begins New Partnership With The Fairmont Orchid for 2009
June 20, 2008
Need an excuse to get in shape? Set your sights to compete in the 2009 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii competition and relax in the luxury Hawaiian accommodations of the event's newest partner, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii at Mauna Lani Resort.
Diana Bertsch, Event Director, announced the new partnership as, "A great opportunity to combine an internationally recognized luxury hotel brand with Ironman, a brand known for its endurance events around the globe. We look forward to the possibilities."
Catching Up with Samantha McGlone
June 11, 2008
In the days after defending her title in the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, Samantha McGlone took a break from her Big Island training to talk about her race and her plans to return to Kona in October for her second go at the Ford Ironman World Championship.
Although this year's 70.3 Hawaii offered up challenging weather conditions that stopped a lot of competitors in their tracks, McGlone actually improved upon her winning time from last year, crossing the line in 4:30:38. When asked after the race how she managed to push her way through ocean swells, howling winds and heat and humidity to a PR, McGlone reminded the crowd that she hadn't had to change a flat tire on the bike course this year.
Classic Big Island Conditions Rule the Day at Ironman 70.3 Hawaii
June 5, 2008
Crosswinds, headwinds, tailwinds, heat, humidity and chop were the name of the game at this year's Ironman 70.3 Hawaii. The Hawaiian sun rose over a scene of roiling seas and blustery winds this morning, conditions that proved to favor those most experienced with racing on the Big Island. In the end, reigning champs Samantha McGlone and Chris McCormack held on to their titles while making the course look easy, while some of the other pros and age groupers struggled against the weather.
For some, the conditions were too much – several racers were unable to make the cutoff times for the swim and the bike – but the large majority of the field were able to endure, albeit at slower times than they might have had on a different day here. This was the case for age-groupers like John Lancaster, from Wisconsin, who was hoping for a faster time but was gratified with the toughness of the 70.3 Hawaii course as a "character building" experience. "You definitely felt like you got your money's worth," he joked.
An upbeat spirit was found throughout the race. Age groupers who were bent into headwinds on the Queen Ka'ahumanu were still smiling and waving "chakas" at cheering fans. Other visitors like Jason Bishop from Vancouver, Canada, acknowledged the swell-filled swim, the blustery bike course and the hot run, but were happy to be celebrating with their families after the race nonetheless.
Ironman 70.3 Hawaii Celebrates Five Years of Racing with Aloha
May 28, 2008
Hard bodies are once again streaming along the pavement of Hawaii's Queen Ka'ahumanu highway, as a sold-out crowd of 1,300 get ready to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii this Saturday, May 31st. This truly international field descends upon the Big Island from 31 countries and 44 U.S. states. These racers have chosen a course of contrasts on which to test their fitness and determination – a swim off one of the world's most beautiful beaches where currents lurk under cover of a seemingly placid bay, a hot, humid ride under Hawaii's constant sun where there is no telling when temperamental gale-force winds will blow, and a muscle-obliterating run through the meticulously groomed grounds of a luxurious resort otherwise known for providing its guests with boundless pampering.
Action Sports International named Official Event Photographers
May 20, 2008
For the 5th consecutive year, the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii is proud to announce that Action Sports International (ASI) has been selected as the Official Event Photographers. ASI will photograph all athletes and make these photos available via their website at www.asiorders.com within a few days after the event.
So what do you need to do?
1. Please be sure to have your race/bib number visible at all times
2. Please place your helmet sticker number on the front of your helmet
3. SMILE when you cross the finish line!
4. Visit www.asiorders.com after the event to view and order your photos from this spectacular event!
Best of luck and we’ll see you at the finish line!
Perseverance Personified – Hand Cyclist Ricky James to Compete in Hawaii
May 17, 2008
Ricky James, a 19-year-old former motocross racer and aspiring NASCAR driver, will be competing on May 31 in the hand-cycle division. James is new to triathlon, but he's not new to endurance racing, intense competition, pushing through pain to reach his goals, and overcoming challenges.
Looking for some inspiration to carry you through race day, and every other day? Here's James's story:
LifeSport at Ironman 70.3 Hawaii!
May 14, 2008
Join LifeSport, the Official Coaches of Ironman, for expert knowledge on training and how to have your best race. LifeSport coaches will be set up at the registration on Thursday and Friday to answer any of your questions and check out the LifeSport Clinics (free to participants of the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii):
LifeSport Open Water Swim Technique Clinic
Friday, 12:00-12:45 p.m., Hapuna Beach State Park
This short clinic will provide the participants with the knowledge to swim faster in the open water with less effort. Learn from the coaches of LifeSport along with special guest local professional triathlete Bree Wee. Topics will include warm-ups, starts, sighting, drafting, wetsuit selection, training tips, and how to deal with waves or currents. There will also be information how to transfer pool swimming into the open water and give you some open water workout suggestions that you can implement into your own training.
LifeSport Last Minute Racing Tips Clinic
Friday, 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm (Immediately following the Athlete Briefing)
Hale Hoaloha Pavilion at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel
Learn the tips that will make your 70.3 a success with the Official Coaches of Ironman. This short seminar will give basic tips for the race on nutrition, hydration, energy management, equipment selection, pacing, mental preparation, managing the heat, and race strategies. Get the tricks of the trade and see the benefits. All levels welcome!
TriBike Transport Introducing Service from California and Oahu to Ironman 70.3 Hawaii!
May 12, 2008
TriBike Transport is pleased to announce its inaugural bike transport service to a Hawaii event. In transporting more than 15,000 bikes for athletes competing in more than 30 Ironman events and other triathlons since its founding four years ago, TBT has earned a reputation for providing excellent service and outstanding convenience to athletes traveling to an event with their bike.
TriBike Transport offers a convenient alternative to dismantling your bike, packing it in a case, hauling it to the airport, paying the airlines up to $150 each way to take it, renting a larger vehicle to transport the case at your destination, reassembling your bike before your race and repeating the entire process for the trip home.
Registration for the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii is now closed.
May 11, 2008
Registration for the 2008 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii is closed as of Friday, May 9th. In its fourth year as part of the Ironman 70.3 Event Series, more than 1,400 athletes are registered to compete for one of 79 slots to the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in October. Also up for grabs are 50 slots for the 2008 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 on November 8th, in Clearwater, Florida. The Ironman 70.3 Hawaii competitor list shows that 45 states and 32 countries from six continents will be represented on May 31, 2008.
If you have any questions regarding registration, please call the race office at (808) 329-0063 or email kona@ironman.com.
Big Island Athletes Support Ironman 70.3 Hawaii
May 6, 2008
Over 100 Big Island residents have already signed up for our May 31 race. Those who've lived on "the rock" for at least the last three years will be eligible to qualify for one of 35 coveted invitations to the Ford Ironman World Championship in October. But whether they're interested in qualifying or not, history tells us that these local athletes will be bringing their "A" game to Hapuna Beach in a few weeks.
Ranging in age from 18 to 65, Big Island entrants represent a cross-section of island life – from high school students to retirees, airline pilots, construction workers, firefighters, police officers, artists, entrepreneurs, and teachers. Together, they've already raced well over 100 Hawaii 70.3s. An elite few, like Harry Yoshida of Kailua-Kona, haven't missed a race since we started in 2004.
Even in laid-back Hawaii, these racers can spend hours considering the nutritional merits of various energy gels or tell you the weight of their bike down to the nearest gram. Laid back has its place, and that place rarely resides on the Queen K.
Need a Room? The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii has availability.
May 4, 2008
Athletes traveling to the Big Island for the Saturday, May 31, 2008 event are invited to stay at The Fairmont Orchid with rates starting at $239.00 plus tax per night for Garden View accommodations.
The Fairmont Orchid a 4 Diamond Luxury Resort, located on 32 acres within Mauna Lani Resort, is a 540 room luxury beachfront hotel complete with four highly acclaimed restaurants, the full-service Spa Without Walls, a 10,000 sq. ft. pool, championship tennis courts, and year-round children’s program, all surrounded by ancient Hawaiian fish ponds and shelter caves, and the historic Puako Petroglyph Preserve. The Fairmont Orchid is also adjacent to the 36-hole, award winning, Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Course, called one of the most breathtakingly beautiful seaside golf courses is the world by Golf Magazine. The resort is a member of the world-renowned Fairmont and Raffles Hotels & Resorts collection.
Athletes coming to the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii wishing to make a reservation at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii may do so by calling the hotel’s toll free reservation line at 1-800-845-9905 and ask for Ironman 70.3 Hawaii for rooms or you can register on line at CLICK HERE.
The Fairmont Orchid’s direct phone number is (808) 885-2000.
Athlete Information Guide now available
April 29, 2008
The 2008 Ironman 70.3 Hawaii Athlete Information Guide is now available. The Athlete Information Guide is critical to the success of your race. It is important that you review it carefully so as to not have your day ruined by a needless penalty or disqualification. To view the Athlete Information Guide CLICK HERE.
Bike Works is the Official Triathlon Store and Bike Tech Support for Ironman 70.3 Hawaii
April 28, 2008
Kona triathlon shop, Bike Works, will return in 2008 as the official triathlon store and bike tech support for the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii. Bike Works is owned by biking aficionados Grant Miller and Janet Higa-Miller. The Millers have been serving the biking and triathlon needs of the Kona community and our international cadre of guests for nearly 20 years, and still they continue to display a newcomer's passion for their sports and their business.
Ship Your Bike Ahead to Bike Works
April 21, 2008
Plan now, avoid airport hassle, and ship your bike ahead!
Make your reservation now to have Bike Works not only receive your bike, but also have it ready to roll when you land on the Big Island.
Bike Works, the Official Bike Shop of the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, is ready to assist athletes heading to the race on May 31, 2008. Athletes can pre-arrange shipping their bikes ahead to Bike Works satellite store at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows by clicking here.
Bike works will have a full service triathlon shop with mechanics at their Luhia street location as well as a satellite store at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Bike Works at bikereservations@hpbikeworks.com.
See you on the Big Island – Aloha!
The Bike Works Ohana
Phone: (808) 326-2453
Web: www.hpbikeworks.com
Mauna Lani Resort Hosts the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii
April 14, 2008
After all the training hours you've spent to get ready for this race, plan to pamper your mind, body and soul at the Mauna Lani Resort, the host of the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii in 2008 for the fifth consecutive year. Just like you, the Mauna Lani staff knows a little something about what it takes to prepare for the Big Day – at the Mauna Lani, the Big Day happens 365 days a year.
What is it about Hawaii? Repeat at Ironman 70.3 Hawaii, win in Kona?
April 7, 2008
Perhaps we're the only ones noticing, but something is happening in the professional competition in Ironman racing here on the Big Island. Granted, the Ironman 70.3 Hawaii has only a three-year history at that distance, but already, a trend is developing.
For those super-humans among us who dare to train their eyes on the sport's ultimate prize, here it is – the most straightforward tip of them all. Repeat a win at Ironman 70.3 Hawaii; walk away with the Ford Ironman World Championship.
