2012 Ultraman Day 1
This three day festival of souls addicted to excessive quantities of aerobic activity began in 1983 and takes place on the weekend after Thanksgiving. While it could be pigeonholed by anthropologists as an overcompensation for all the turkey consumed on the day devoted to honoring the pilgrims – and the long suffering aficionados of the Dallas Cowboys — really it is a contest designed for those merry band of triathletes for whom one Ironman was not nearly enough and for whom one day events leave them sad it is over and hungry for more.
These days a very special group of athletes who are not put off but are rather captivated by the 320 miles to cover and the absolute lack of prize money take off on a 10 kilometer swim from Kailua Pier to Keauhou Bay, then hop on their bikes for a 90-mile ride which includes 7,600 feet of climbing and ends up at Volcanoes National Monument.
The race was won by two extraordinary athletes – Brazil's Alexandre Ribeiro and Reno, Nevada's Amber Monforte. But each of the 35 starters and their gypsy caravan support crews had an experience that was priceless.
All photographs © Timothy Carlson
Alexandre Ribeiro of Brazil rode undaunted and ahead alone through several tropical rain squalls on Day 1 and was never headed on his way to a record 6th Ultraman World Championship. Not bad for an ageless 47-year-old father of three.
Ribeiro looks fresh before the start of Day One.
Soon to be three-time champion Amber Monforte and her father David, who ran a quarter mile as a pacer on the run.
The irrepressible Suzy Degazon.
Swimmers are supported by kayakers.
Kayaker on the golden morning Kailua waters.
Swimmer's hand trails a stream of water.
Support crews help competitors exit the 10k swim.
The legendary Cowman now wields a video camera at Ultraman.
Crew chief and fellow Brazilian Jose Carlos Poinciano helps Alexandre Ribeiro as crew chief for the 8th straight Ultraman.
Japan's Yasuko Miyazaki, who won Ultraman UK in 28 hours two months ago, knocked two hours off that mark and set the second-best-ever Ultraman women's run of 7:32:12 on her way to 3rd place.
Riding on Day 1.
Amber Monforte at speed.
Peter Mueller of Switzerland finished 4th male and 7th overall.
Riding past some of the rich flora on the way to Volcanoes.
Riding past the Aloha Theater, circa 1932.
Kathy Winkler gets a drink from her support crew.
Nino Cokan of Slovenia finished 2nd on Day 1.
Kathy Winkler led Amber Monforte after Day 1.
Nino Cokan powers his way up one of the long Day 1 hills.
