09 Ultraman Day 1
This post-Thanksgiving celebration of excessive aerobic activity embracing nearly all 12 climatic zones of the mysterious and beautiful Big Island of Hawaii begins in the dark on a Friday as less exceptional humans are revving up to go shopping. As kayaks and paddles and liquids and gels are lined up on Kailua Pier, this select crew of athletes put on high-tech neoprene suits that would pass for seal costumes on Halloween. There are hugs and smiles, but some faces, like Jochen Dembeck of Germany seen in a 1/6 of a second blur under orange lights, reflect the spirit's proper awe and dread of the 320-miles and the accompanying pain that lies ahead. Even at maximum effort, many swimmers are relieved to see a little boat crammed with photographers visit and give the appropriate chaka signs. The happiest swimmers are those blessed by a visit by pods of playful dolphins passing beneath. Some rookies happy just to finish the 10k swim take their time in the first and only Ultraman transition. Others, like 1997 champion Peter Kotland, chasing a new chapter in history take less time. On the way to Volcanoes National monument 90 miles to the south over 7,600 feet of climbing, riders pass 1940s style wooden theaters, gorgeous passionately colored flowers, Longhorn cattle, lava and breathtaking vistas at South Point. When they arrive at the cool rain forest climate of Volcanoes 90 miles later, top finishers congratulate one another, the one defending champion kisses another, and one woman cries with relief for making the 12-hour cutoff by 10 seconds.
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Photo Gallery ® Timothy Carlson
Defending champion Alexandre Ribeiro of Brazil hold his two sons and support crew members Kailani and Kaipo at dawn as he begins his crusade for a 4th Ultraman title.
Jochen Dembeck of Germany returns to Ultraman 10 years after his 1999 6th ;place finish in 24:59:09. The blur of a long exposure in near-darkness seems to reveal an anxious spirit awaiting the challenge in daylight.
Sheena Miller, the 26-year-old fire fighter from Penticton, British Columbia and 2008 Ultraman Canada champion, lights up the scene with her sunny smile wherever she goes.
Matt Davie, a former varsity swimmer for Stanford, is preparing the support kayak for Team Night Rider's Vito Bialla, who will do the swim. Vito's wife Linda, the 1999 Ultraman champion, will do the bike, and Davie will soldier through the 52.4-mile run.
Ultra running star Ann Heaslett, who finished second in her 2007 Ultraman debut, laughs as crew member puts on some lubricant to her wetsuit collar.
Kayaks ready to rumble.
The swim start at 6:30 Am Friday off Kailua Pier.
A playful swimmer raises his arm high as he passes the Royal Kona Resort.
Perfect form halfway through the 10k swim to Keauhou beach.
Swimmer shadowed closely by his faithful paddler.
Trix Zgraggen, a two-time winner of the weeklong Swiss Gigathlon, emerges from the water with the help of her crew.
Peter Kotland makes a swift transition to the bike after a sixth-fastest 2:41:07 swim.
Jochen Basting rides past the Aloha Theater, 15 miles past and 1,500 feet above the bike start at Jeauhou.
Rip Oldmeadow, Aussie-born Kailua-Kona resident, rides past beautiful bright cream colored flora.
Shanna Armstrong rides past bright red flowers on her way to a first day lead.
Miro Kregar of Slovenia, who finished second here in 2001, rides past a Longhorn steer on his way to a 4th-best 5:37:29 first day bike split.
Richard Roll, who finished 9th in 2008, led Day one with a race-best 2:21:56 swim and third-best 5:35:22 bike that gave him a 7:57:18 overall time and a 9:53 lead.
Alexandre Ribeiro congratulates Ultraman rookie and Marathon des Sables finisher Mike LeRoux for his second place finish on Day 1.
Third place Day 1 men's finisher Ribeiro offers a chivalrous kiss to fellow defending Ultraman Hawaii champion Shanna Armstrong for her leading women's performance on Day 1.
Even Ultrawomen shed tears
