Monday, June 14, 2010

Big Island - Ironman and Other Adventures

You may well know the islands of Hawaii as beach havens and surfers paradise, as well as the place to go to hula, but if something more active is what you're looking for, why not head to the western coast of Big Island to see the world renowned Ironman World Championships on Hawaii?

If you are a triathlete, or a fan of serious sport and stamina, there is no bigger day in this sport than this Championship.

Tens-of-thousands of triathletes try to make it to the starting line in Kona; only the fittest 1,800 succeed and get to compete in the Ironman World Championships on Hawaii and test themselves on one of the biggest challenges the sports world has to offer: 2.4-miles of swimming, 112-miles of biking, and a 26.2-mile marathon run through tough ocean waves, and challenging lava-covered terrain.

The idea of the Ironman World Championships on Hawaii is to combine three athletic disciplines (swimming, cycling and running) was one born out of a debate, amongst competitors, for a running race in Hawaii in 1978.

After discussing who was the fittest of them all, they decided to combine all three disciplines to find the answer, with the winner to be referred to as the Ironman.

The Ironman concept has since spread all over the world but the Ironman World Championships on Hawaii is the oldest, most renowned and also most spectacular Ironman race in the world. It has been held on Hawaii's Big Island since 1981, with the first Ironman to complete the course in 11 hours, 46 minutes and 58 seconds.

For those of you not ready (yet) for the Ironman World Championships on Hawaii but interested in active holidays, why not try the Big Island marathon course? This certified course is one of the most scenic marathons in the world and provides lasting memories.

Run the stunningly beautiful coast of old Hawaii, along the Pacific Ocean, through tropical rainforests, quaint villages, past exotic waterfalls, and over one-lane bridges with rushing rivers below you finishing at historic Hilo Bay Front. Finish line activities include: complimentary massages, entertainment and great food!

Due to the Ironman World Championships, and its other running courses, Big Island has gained its reputation as the Island of Adventure.

If you have come to watch the Ironman World Championships on Hawaii and want to make the most of your time there, taking a helicopter tour, for a birds-eye view of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the rest of the islands hidden waterfalls, lush valleys and vast beaches, is just the beginning of an exhilarating Big Island expedition.

With surroundings ranging from lava-strewn deserts to tropical plantations and gardens, Hawaii's Big Island offers you the opportunity to engage in every imaginable outdoor activity.

Snorkel or scuba with manta rays off the Kona Coast; horseback ride in the grassy plains of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country in Waimea; discover the 442-foot Akaka Falls and the 80-foot Rainbow Falls in Wailuku River State Park; and hike along the 150 miles of volcanic desert and tropical trails at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

By : Derek_Steneslow

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