Another Peaman Biathlon, another sweet victory for Brenda Avery.
It should almost be a given that anytime the Kailua-Kona resident steps onto the sands of Kaiakeakua Beach, it will be a swim-run-touchdown. And that’s the way it’s been since the beginning of the year with Avery winning her fifth Peaman Biathlon title on Sunday.
Renamed Peaman’s International Biathlon from what it used to be, The Wee &DLT Whirled Peas Biathlon, the event featured the longest distance in the monthly series with a three-quarter-mile swim in Kailua Bay followed by a scorching 3.9-mile run on Alii Drive.
“The swim was awesome but the run was way too hot,” Avery said after the race. “I don’t train in the heat so today was definitely a challenge.
A few south swells rolled in to challenge Sunday’s participants, but with a breathtaking view of Hualalai Mountain as the backdrop and vog-free skies, there was really nothing to complain about.
Avery made quick work out of the swim to exit as the individual leader in the long course division, but trailing top relay swimmers Duke Becker and Aiden Ankrum.
Once onto the 3.9-mile run, the 53-year old focused on staying ahead of those chasing from behind.
“I guess you never know how much cushion you have until you hit the turnaround and see who is behind you or how close they are,” she said. “Nate was behind me and I thought that he had a real good chance of catching me because I was definitely overheating and slowing way down. I should’ve taken a water bottle with me as there weren’t any aid stations.”
Avery’s lead from an impressive swim split gave her the cushion needed to win her fifth title with Kailua-Kona’s Nate Grocholski finishing in second, and first in the men’s division.
“My next race is Kukio (the Kukio Blue Water 1.2-mile swim on Sept. 22),” Avery said. “It’s going to be fun, I’m looking forward to it.”
Results for Sunday’s Peaman International Biathlon were not available at the time this column was submitted, but the Ankrum brothers, Aiden (swim) and Alec (run), continued their dominating streak by winning the relay division.