WAIKOLOA — The long-running tagline for the Lavaman Triathlon has been, “Celebrate the Spirit.”
It’s appropriate, because it’s never hard to find someone having some kind of fun at the event that has earned a reputation as some of the best times you can have while breaking a sweat.
Now in its 19th year, the triathlon has expanded by leaps and bounds, from an event with less than 100 people, to one that sells out quickly to more than 1,500 athletes annually. The Lavaman experience has also grown from a single day, to a full slate of events, which kicked off Friday with the Lavaman Sunset 5K.
The fun run — presented by Bike Works Beach & Sports — welcomed a record 212 runners for its sixth edition, ranging in age from 6 to 91.
“It is a great way to kick off the weekend,” said Janet Higa-Miller, co-owner of Bike Works Beach & Sports. “It’s for a lot of the supporters who are here with people in Sunday’s race. They can come, be in the spotlight for a little, then cheer for their people on Sunday. It’s a fun twist.”
Paul Kovacs, of Australia, handily took top honors in the fun run, finishing the 5K route in 17 minutes and 31 seconds.
But more importantly than the competition, the event is a benefit for Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii (PATH) and the ALS Therapy Development Institute. PATH will use the money to help support its Bike Safety Education Program, which serves keiki and adults in the community.
“This race is always a good time and it’s growing every year,” PATH executive director Tina Clothier said. “With Lavaman, it’s all about the reciprocal aspect. A lot goes back into the community.”
Lavaman plans to give nearly $50,000 back to local organizations this year, according to race director/founder Gerry Rott. That giving spirit surrounding the race helps keep many of the 600 volunteers coming back year after year — Clothier and Higa-Miller included. Both will be among those lending a hand on Sunday.
“It’s about being apart of something that is important to this community and the island,” Clothier said. “Lavaman is a great economic engine and people appreciate it. It’s a good race, a good party and just a great time to be a part of.”
Leaders of the pack
There will be 15 athletes — five female and 10 male — in the elite/pro division on Sunday.
Honolulu’s Ben Williams blazed to victory last year, winning with a comfortable time of 1:54:47. He will be back to defend his crown this year, but will have to hold off a chase pack that includes multi-Lavaman winner Tim Marr, last year’s runner-up, Hilo’s Chris Gregory, and Kealakekua’s David Wild.
“It’s one of the best races of the year,” Williams said. “I’ve looked at the start list and know I’m going to have to have a great race to compete.”
Lavaman marks the start of a busy stretch for Williams. The day after the race he will fly across the Pacific Ocean for the Strongman Triathlon in Japan — a race almost four times longer than Lavaman’s Olympic distance (31.93 total miles).
“I feel fit,” Williams said. “This is going to be a preparation race for me.”
The female side is guaranteed to see a new champion. Defending and six-time Lavaman champ Bree Wee is away competing in “The Chase,” at the Hapalua Half-Marathon on Oahu. Sara Bloom and Winona Chen will represent the Big Island.
“It’s a really fun race and it was my first triathlon, so I always try to do what I can to support it,” Chen said. “With an Olympic distance race, you can go pretty darn hard. It is all out, and a good training race to see where you are early in the season.”
Come for the race, stay for the party
The race brings in a lot of people from the western states looking to take a spring break race-cation, including a huge contingent of athletes from Alaska.
“It’s cold up there,” Rott said with a laugh when asked what the draw to Waikoloa is for the athletes from the The Last Frontier. “They come here and hop into spring in Hawaii. Most of the time, they aren’t just racing and going home. They stay for a while.”
But for visitors and local athletes alike, finishing a triathlon is an achievement. A proper celebration seems appropriate and the race dubbed as the, “Best Party in Triathlon” never disappoints.
“It’s a celebration of spirit,” Rott said. “For the athletes, the party is to celebrate what they have accomplished. It’s also a chance for the volunteers to come together and feel that camaraderie of making it all happen. The beer doesn’t hurt either.”
Racing for a reason
This year’s race is dedicated to Sharron Ackles, who passed away in August of 2015 after a hard-fought battle with Pancreatic cancer.
Ackles guided the IRONMAN World Championship Triathlon through a crucial time at the turn of the millennium as race director from 1992-2002. She made countless contributions to the Big Island community, and is remembered by many for her rosy cheeks and indomitable spirit.
“Sharron was one of my best friends, and with her husband Joe, played a very large part in the growth of triathlon here on the Big Island,” Rott said. “She was always all about the athletes and bringing them and the community together.”
Lavaman Sunset 5K results can be found online