The first Peaman swim-run of the year drew more than 100 peaticipants to Kaiakeakua Beach for a little fun in the sun that began with a short ½-mile dip followed by a 3.1-mile run.
The event was named the Doc Ferren Hall of Fame Biathlon, which honored the late Dr. Frank Ferren who passed away in June 2017 from brain cancer.
“What I remember most about him was his toughness and his dedication to the sport of swim-bike-run, long, short, just any distance, and also his dedication to his patients,” said event organizer, Peaman. “He was such a kind, compassionate and loving doctor. He took care of so many people here in Kona and probably a lot of people here at today’s event were delivered as babies by him. He was just the true country doctor. He would take you in on a Sunday, Saturday, work long hours — he just really cared. He had the true spirit of aloha.”
Dr. Ferren was regarded as a local sports hero and most knew him as the “Iron Doc.” He was a board certified surgeon, obstetrician, and sports medicine guru who retired from his professional career after 42 years. His impressive athletic career spanned over five decades with many notable and memorable finishes.
He competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Championships an incredible 19 times — an all-time record that he held for many years. His resume also boasts two Ultraman World Championships, two Molokai Hoe Canoe Race World Championships, over 40 marathons, 23 Keauhou Kona Triathlons (half-iron distance), and numerous Lavaman Olympic Distance Triathlons, Peaman Biathlons and Team Mango races.
And, the Iron Doc never missed a Peaman Biathlon even if he was injured or sick.
“No matter what injury he had, he still came out,” Peaman said. “I think I kind of modeled myself after him in that I’ll tape up any injury with anything — duct tape, sports tape, whatever kind of tape that will hold. Or I’d learn how to stretch it from him, brace it, or do something just to keep moving rather than stop. He was all about active recovery. And what I remember most was his dedication and his never give up attitude whether he was in an Ironman or Ultraman or Peaman — he was just awesome!”
Strong swells and waves pummeled Kona’s coastline creating rough and murky conditions for the ½-mile swim.
However, Aiden Ankrum didn’t seem fazed as he propelled himself well ahead of the field and was the first to exit Kaiakeakua Beach to tag his relay partner and brother, Alec, who quickly took off on the run.
Next came a chase pack thrashing through the water that included Levi Childers, Helen Meigs, Peaman, Danny Becker and Mady Parker.
Meanwhile, the competitive 1-mile run division witnessed six-year old Cole Henderson sprinting through the finish line to take top honors with his time of 7 minutes and 49 seconds. Top wahine went to another six-year old, Kalia Edmonds, who finished in a great time of 9:18.
Also racing back toward the Kailua Pier were competitors in the LavaKids Pea Wee race that featured a short course 200-yard swim and 1-mile run. Kyle Randerson and Samantha Dodson won the male and female divisions with their times of 15:29 and 17:07 respectively.
And it was nice that spectators lining the seawall didn’t have to wait too long to see who would return first in the long course division.
Kealakehe’s top runner, Alec Ankrum, blazed back to victory — continuing the Ankrum brother-relay win streak in a speedy time of 31:41. Next came the men’s individual overall winner, Childers, who took gold in 34:02. Camron Cornforth was next in silver at 34:54, and Archer Ankrum settled for bronze with his time of 36:28.
Meigs claimed the women’s division with her time of 36:36, and was followed by Parker and Coach McCoy with their times of 39:05 and 42:49 respectively.
Peaman said he will always remember Dr. Ferren’s dedication and determination for the sport, and admired him as a mentor, a role model, and a local sport doc.
“He is very missed. For myself, he was my doctor for probably 40 years and it was a big gap in my life to lose someone who took care of me for so long and knew everything about me. When I’d go in to see him, he would already know everything about me, my history and he would never forget it. That’s what made him so phenomenal especially when you think of all the patients he had and somehow he remembered how we all were doing and what was bothering us. Just a remarkable man who is very missed and very loved.”
Coming up:
Saturday: Kelly Hudik of Hawaii County’s Elderly Activities Division will host the Groundhog Gallop – a free 5K and 1-mile run/walk at the West Hawaii Civic Center. Participants will meet at Building B just prior to the 8 a.m. start, with the course heading south on the paved walking trail parallel to Ane Keohokalole Highway. For more information contact Kelly Hudik at 327-3565.
Sunday: Team Mango Races presents the Springtime Triathlon at the Kailua Pier. Start time is 7 a.m. for the ½-mile swim, 15-mile bike, and 6-mile run. For more information and registration details contact Carl Koomoa at 324-7252.
