The 31st Ultraman World Championship begins its 3-day triathletic circumnavigation of the Big Island of Hawaii with kayaker guides leading an ocean swim 10 kilometers south from Kailua Pier. The 40 aerobic enthusiasts continue their Day 1 pilgrimage with a 90-mile bike leg that features nearly 8,000 feet of climbing. This year’s jaunt included spots of hard rain and concluded with a 4,000 foot climb into a stiff headwind.

All photographs © Timothy Carlson

Jeremy Howard of Shelton, Connecticut led the swim and finished the three-day, 320-mile event 3rd overall.

Iona McKenzie of Yellowknife, Northern Territories, Canada prepares her wetsuit before the start.

Mel Gorman, 11th in the Olympic 10 kilometer open water swim and an Ultraman crew member, applies Body Glide to David Kalinoswki before the swim.

Giancarlo Matarazzo of Brazil at Kailua Pier before the start .

Sherri Carney readies her kayak before the start.

Kevin Willis and wife Cary take a selfie before the start.

Ultraman swim starts at 6:30 AM.

Tony O’Keefe halfway through the 10k swim.

Marty Raymond shows off his butterfly form.

Christian Isakson finished the swim in 2:48:18.

Crew member Lauren Willis helps Michael Coughlin put on his cycling kit.

Michael Owen rides past the Aloha Theater 15 miles into the bike course.

Peter Hudson of Victoria, Australia rides the Ultraman Day 1 bike course.

David Kalinowski rides a lonely stretch.

Christian Isakson rides the southernmost part of the course, fighting high side winds.

Michael Coughlin dumps cool water over his head on the final climb of the day.

David Kalinowski rides into headwinds near the finish of Day 1.

Tony O’Keefe finished the Day 1 bike leg in 5:56:06.

Ultraman co-founder Curtis Tyler helps out at the finish.

Jochen Dembeck of Germany enjoys a hug at the end of the day.