Jo Carritt-Triathlete
FEATURE
on the exposed highway, and by this stage in the race everyone is sharing the same battle of “mind over matter” just to continue running. Those who before the race were your clear competition, and who must be passed on the bike, are now comrades in the effort to conquer the marathon. to the line, but for those of us just looking to perform our best, and those of us who have been victim to the race and succumb to the long walk of survival, the pace slows and mellows. Drinks, ice, words of encouragement and respect are shared. We absorb the spectacle of this moment – it has come directly from our dreams and is now a moment that we are living, having
than any other race on the planet. So, maybe given this description,
you’d be questioning why this is the race that every Ironman dreams of? The appeal of racing on the world’s toughest circuit is great in itself, not to mention the kudos that comes with having done so successfully. The very fact of being there, at the world championships, is a testament to your skills at racing Ironman, and will earn you the respect of your triathlon peers. It’s that nod of approval, that statement of achieving. We’ve all been asked by a new training buddy “have you ever raced at Kona?” in a tone of awe.
transition in Kona, hear the roars of the enormous crowds, dismount your bike and set off on the run up Alii Drive, you really get to see what all the fuss is about. Not only are the crowds LOVING the event, you have the chance to see the leaders of the professional race at close hand as they cross you on their way back from the turn-around. Being part of the race which will decide the world champion, through a dramatic and hard fought
battle between our heroes and heroines in the sport is a privilege. To see many of the athletes that we look up to and admire suffering in the heat just as we are - often walking, stopping, beaten by the course - is humbling and inspiring. They look as bad as you feel, though lifted just as much by the constant support that the crowds will give them. After ten miles of running along
the coast, you must tackle Palani hill and back on to the Queen K Highway. You’ll see the slower cyclists returning from their long ride and marvel at their resolve for getting through such a long battle. Very often these competitors are 60, 70 even 80 years old, people who have overcome severe disabilities, or competing with a disabled child. They have battled the same and worse conditions that challenged you so much…and for several more hours…and will still be running their marathon long into the night. The race experience tends to get quieter here. Fewer supporters make the hot walk up the hill to stand
worked so hard for it all year long. This legendary race, with so many tales and triumphs that have built the history of our sport, plays out on this very stretch of road, amongst these same volcanic rocks, overlooking the same shimmering ocean into which the sun threatens to dip. Its equatorial location means that sunset in Hawaii is around 6pm…and so by this time the light is turning golden and the shadows lengthen. The last 5km …push, push, push.
Keep going. The last 3km includes a hill, but now you’re back into the town and the noise coming from the of supporters’ voices carry your legs around and down Palani hill again, stretch. It’s just a bit of road, covered Ironman fans and families. You hear you do see it, it is like nothing else. most welcome sight in the world at the time, this one really does mean so much more.
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