Ultraman 08 impressions

Corey Foulk, 49, an environmental architect from Kailua-Kona, is an 11-time Ultraman finisher who has completed 40-plus Ironmans, 50-plus marathons, and 50-plus ultra marathons. Plus he's done several since acquiring an artificial hip three years ago.

Peter Kotland returned to Ultraman 11 years after running a 5:33:57 double marathon to win the 1997 event.

The three-day stage race triathlon starts at 6:30 the Friday after Thanksgiving with a 10k swim from Kailua Pier to Keauhou Bay.

A good kayaker can find the fast currents and sweep the jellyfish out of the way.

A double kayak seeks easier currents for their swimmer nearer shore.

Knifing through the water.

Peter Kotland swam 25 minutes faster in 1997 – but currents were against all the competitors this year.

Two-time Ultraman winner Alexandre Ribeiro of Brazil gets help with his wetsuit from crewmember Jose Carlos of Boulder.

Kotland had one of the fastest swim-bike transitions

Kotland came to Kona fighting an infected eardrum, but had the 4th best bike on Day 1 and second fastest on Day 2.

Kotland finished Day One dehydrated and tapped out.

Day two. Vito Bialla, an 8-time Ultraman finisher, warmed up with a 135-mile run at Badwater. At 60, Bialla was the oldest finisher.

The first 20 miles on Day two is a bobsled run dropping 4,000 feet from Volcanoes National Monument to Keaau.

Ribeiro won Day two with a sizzling 7:20 bike split, passing a lava vent that contributes to chronic vog.

Todd Crandell Executive Director of Racing For Recovery, rides through a tunnel of tropical canopy.

Riding at 6,000 feet on top of the Kohalas on Day 2.

Stretching before the 6 AM start on Day 3.

Starting the double marathon.

Runners and their pacers band together for camaraderie.

Richard Roll, a 41-year-old entertainment lawyer from Malibu, swam 2:41 and finished 11th overall.