Event Description

A 3-day, 320-mile (515-kilometer) individual ultra-endurance event which takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii. Entry is limited to 40 participants and is by invitation only. Founded in 1983, the event is held annually on the traditional Thanksgiving weekend.  2023 marks the 37th edition of this event!

Event details and schedule

FRIDAY, November 24 - SUNDAY, November 26, 2023    

Stage I - 6.2-mile (10 km) ocean swim from Kailua Bay to Keauhou Bay, followed by a 90-mile (145 km) cross-country bike ride from Keauhou Bay around the southern tip of the island via Route 11 to finish at Kilauea Military Camp in the Volcanoes National Park. Vertical climbs total 7,600 feet.

Stage II - 171.4-mi (276 km) bike ride, from Volcanoes National Park (Route 11) to Keaau, then turning east with a counter-clockwise loop through Kalapana, and Pahoa, then on through the City of Hilo. From Hilo, the route continues north along the HamakuaCoast (Route 19) to Waimea, down through Kawaihae and climbing up against the winds to finish at KamehamehaPark in Kapa’au, just north of Hawi town. Vertical climbs total 8,600 feet.

Stage III - 52.4-mile (84 km) double-marathon run from Hawi to Kawaihae (Route 270), then on to Kailua-Kona (via Route 19) and finishing at the Old Airport Park, Pavilion 1.

Time Limits: Each stage must be completed in 12 hours or less. The swim should be completed in 5-1/2 hours or less. Participants not reaching the respective finish lines within the 12 hour limits will be disqualified.