WAIMEA — Triathletes from all over the globe voyaged to West Hawaii last weekend to compete in the Ironman 70.3 Hawai‘i — also known as a half Ironman — and the top performers did not disappoint. Competitors of all ages began their sunny Saturday morning journey by jumping into the crystal-clear waters off the grounds of Fairmont Orchid and swimming 1.
2 miles through the warm Pacific Ocean. Athletes then transitioned into the 56-mile bike race through the rolling hills of the Kohala Coast before turning back at Hawi. In the final leg of the triathlon, competitors jogged 13.
1 miles through the quaint Mauna Lani Golf Course and desolate lava fields before finishing at the oceanfront of Fairmont Orchid. This year’s event was not a qualifier for future races. Brazil men’s triathlete Ciro Damiani (40-44 division) finished with the top overall time in the men’s and women’s races— finishing in 4:06:59.
Damiani posted the fastest time at Ironman Hawai‘i 70.3 since 2014, when Canada’s Brent McMahon raced in 3:59:35. The star swam in 11:59, biked in 2:19:00 and ran in 1:29:20.
Damiani’s bike ride was the fastest of all men’s and women’s competitors, while his run was the fastest of the men’s 40-44 division. Damiani claimed he was challenged by the large gusts of wind throughout the competition, but was able to overcome the obstacle swiftly. “This place is magical; I always feel good (while competing) here,” he told West Hawaii Today post race.
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