2011 Ultraman Day Three
Written by: Timothy Carlson
Added: Thu Dec 01 2011
No matter what feats of courage and derring-do occur during the 10k swim and the 261.4 miles of biking that precede it, the Ultraman World Championship is ultimately decided on the third day’s double marathon from Hawi to Kailua-Kona. On this the 27th triathletic circumnavigation of the Big Island of Hawaii on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Jonas Colting’s injured hip precluded a third victory and Alexandre Ribeiro’s steady brilliance led him to a record 5th title. Amber Monforte felt she wasn't as fit as she was last year when she smashed the course record, but the Reno, Nevada nurse managed to post the third-fastest women’s time in the race’s history and take her second Ultraman World Championship – finishing behind just five hardy men.
The run stage began in the dark at 6 AM, and the winds that buffeted cyclists the day before on the ascent and descent of the Kohala range pushed the runners with a tailwind on the first 17 downhill miles to Kawaihae – and threw in a few sidewind sections that had the front runners and back of the packers democratically leaning to stay on the road.
In the final miles, the winds calmed and the sun lent unusually gentle warmth to the 33 official and two unofficial entries to complete the last 52.4 miles of their quest.
Enduring, brave souls all.
All photographs © Timothy Carlson
The run stage began in the dark at 6 AM, and the winds that buffeted cyclists the day before on the ascent and descent of the Kohala range pushed the runners with a tailwind on the first 17 downhill miles to Kawaihae – and threw in a few sidewind sections that had the front runners and back of the packers democratically leaning to stay on the road.
In the final miles, the winds calmed and the sun lent unusually gentle warmth to the 33 official and two unofficial entries to complete the last 52.4 miles of their quest.
Enduring, brave souls all.
All photographs © Timothy Carlson
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