Nearly 1,600 athletes are scheduled to converge on Waikoloa Beach Resort Sunday for Lavaman Waikoloa.
The 17th running of the Olympic-distance triathlon will begin at 7:20 a.m. with a 0.9-mile swim in Anaehoomalu Bay. A 24-mile bike ride on Queen Kaahumanu Highway and a 6.2-mile run on the Waikoloa Beach Resort grounds follow.
The first finishers are expected to cross the line around 9:10 a.m., and the festivities will continue through the afternoon for what Triathlon Magazine has named “the best awards party in triathlon.”
While Sunday is the main event, Lavaman hosts an entire weekend of activities for all ages, starting today with the Lavaman Sunset 5K Fun Run/Walk. The event takes participants on a loop through the resort, starting and finishing at the Queens’ MarketPlace. Registration for the event is open until race time, with a cost of $25 for adults and $15 for children 14 and younger.
The action kicks off at 7:30 a.m. Saturday with the 13th annual LavaKids Aquathlon at Anaehoomalu Bay. Event organizers will reveal plans for the expansion of the LavaKids program Saturday, as well.
An expo will be held all weekend at the Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Grand Promenade.
Organizers advise participants and spectators to arrive early on race day to avoid heavy delays. Race day parking will be at Anaehoomalu Bay and the Queens’ MarketPlace.
The road to Anaehoomalu Bay will be closed from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. during the bike portion of the race.
For more information on the Lavaman Sunset 5K Fun Run/Walk, LavaKids Aquathlon or Lavaman Waikoloa, visit lavamantriathlon.com/waikoloa.