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Hawaii Ironman Triathlon

Swimming, biking and running - these three sports are combined in the Ironman Triathlon. Held each October in Kona, Big Island, the Ironman Triathlon World Championship is one of the most prestigious endurance competition.

The history of the Ironman Triathlon dates back to 1978, when a number of athletes took part in a contest requiring a 2,4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike race and a 26,2-mile marathon. Fifteen sportsmen participated in the first Ironman Triathlon, and twelve completed the race. With a finishing time of 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds, Gordon Haller became the world's first Ironman.

After a number of years, the popularity of the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon has increased tremendously. Today, about 50,000 sportsmen from many countries compete to qualify for the Ironman Triathlon. Of the 50,000, only 1,500 are selected to participate in the competition. While 10 volunteers assisted with the 1978 event, today's Ironman Triathlon requires more than 5,000 assistants.

The Ironman Triathlon is an endurance competition. "Man-versus-nature" is the motto of the race. The temperature range on race day is from 82 to 95 degrees, with humidity about 90 percent. Crosswinds on sections of the bike course can gust as high as 60 miles per hour. The swimming course is held in rough waters.

For competing and winning in these conditions, strength and endurance are required. The average Ironman triathlete spends from 18 to 24 hours each week training for the event. But the efforts are rewarded: the first-place winner receives a check for $100,000.