Team Mango Races hosted its first Escape-2-Puuhonua on Sunday, with the training triathlon taking the place of the Captain Cook Challenge.
Because of safety hazards, race organizers could not use the Captain Cook Challenge race course.
The course for Escape-2-Puuhonua included a running start to the water for a 1/3-mile swim in Honaunau Bay, a two-mile run on the Alaloa Trail, a 21-mile bike ride (two laps, 2,000-foot climb) up Napoopoo Road and a four-mile run on Old Government Road.
The race started and finished at Two-Step near the entrance to Honaunau Bay.
The day was beautiful: clear skies, glassy ocean in the bay and very little wind. As the morning went on, the heat intensified and made it a good challenge for all the athletes.
Jamie Van Dyke set the mark for the 1/3-mile swim with a time of 14 minutes, 11 seconds. Chris Prater had the fastest split on the difficult two-mile trail run at 16:01, and Kym Kiser finished the hilly bike course with a top time of 1:08:29. Nate Grocholski holds the four-mile run course record of 28:28.
Overall, Sylvia Ravaglia waltzed her way into first place, completing the entire course in 2:16:33. Grant Miller was close behind to claim second place with a total time of 2:17:07. Chris Prater rounded out the top three with a time of 2:20:09.
Kris Kiser (one lap on the bike course) took third for the men at 2:22:22. Linda Hallinger finished second for the women (2:53:48), and Kelly Hudik was third (2:55:03).
The team of Robert Puaokalani, Kym Kiser and Serena Chamberlain finished first for the relays. The three athletes worked together to finish the course in 2:20:09. The team of Jamie Van Dyke, Shirley Van Dyke, Ben Van Dyke and Danielle Daem earned took second (2:26:56) while Dave Pratt, Shirley Pratt and Paola Soto (2:35:36) were third.
Congratulations to all who competed in the Escape-2-Puuhonua. Mahalo to all the volunteers who helped put this race on. We hope to see you all next year racing again.
On Saturday, the Cinco de Mayo Splash kicks off the Big Island’s triple crown of swimming (the Hapuna Roughwater Swim and the King’s Swim complete the series). The one-mile ocean swim will take place at 8 a.m. at Anaehoomalu Bay. Race registration is now $25 for swimmers age 10 and up and $20 for children age 9 and under. To register, drop off your application form and fee at Bike Works Kona or Bike Works Beach & Sport in Waikoloa. Organizers will offer race day registration near Anaehoomalu Bay.
On May 12, Frozen Pea Productions will host its Polar Bear’s Pinto Bean and Pinata Biathlon training race at 8:03 a.m. Hawaiian Time near Kailua Pier. The race will feature a 3/4-mile swim and a 3.1-mile run. A shorter course includes a 200-yard swim and a one-mile run. Participants are encouraged to form relays. As always, snorkels, fins, masks and jogging strollers are all welcome on the course.
Hope to see you all out there. Until next time, happy training.
