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Lavaman Triathlon
For anyone looking for a true triathlon gem in paradise,
the Lavaman Triathlon in Waikaloa Hawaii is the place to be. The
Lavaman, is now in it’s 9th year is an Olympic distance (1500m/40k/10k)
race and this year saw over 600 athletes lining up on the beautiful
sands of Anaehoomalu bay for the swim start. Top local athletes
were there as well as some top Canadian pros and hundreds The day started out under a cool cloud cover with the legendary Kona winds seemingly still slumbering. The 2-loop swim through the crystal clear waters of the bay saw a lead pack of Kalen Darling, Ben Collins and Timothy Marr take the early lead followed by the pro Canadian women. The 40K bike course is a hilly and fast out and back
course on the legendary Queen K highway and as the first athletes
mounted their bikes the winds began to finally awaken. 2nd year
pro Timothy Marr from Oahu led out the bike for the men with Benjamin
Collins chasing closely and the rest of the chase pack spread out
behind them in hot pursuit. Caroline Murray, Lisa Mensink, and Jessica
Kirkwood of Canada pushed the pace at the front of the women’s
race followed fiercely by a couple of our top local women Ingrid
Rolles and Entering T2 Marr and Collins held a 2+min gap over
the rest of the field with the real battle for the men shaping up
for 3rd-6th spots. Held entirely on hotel grounds the run is one
of the most challenging, beautiful and fun runs around; oh and of
course one of the hottest as well. With a mix of lava rock, road,
coral and a deep sand race to the finish the run is a true test
of fitness and perseverance. Marr would run strong finishing first
(1:58:14) with a hard charging Gordo Byrn (1:58:57) of Canada chasing
him to the line for second. Collins followed strong in third (1:59:28)
with Tai Blechta (2:01:49), Kurt As triumphant smiling racers crossed the beach finish
line the best part of the Lavaman began, the post race beach party
slash awards! A great live band kept everyone entertained while
the post race beach bbq spread was laid out. Lots of food, great
friends and competitors, music and Kona Brew helped everyone to
wrap up a great race day in Kona. Awards were exciting with Tai Blechta Last Updated: April 2, 2006 |
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