Big Island Challenge

Big Island Challenge is an event to give runners and triathletes a focus for training and a goal to achieve. The Challenge is to run the equivalent of Kona to Hawi on the Big Island of Hawaii (and back) during the month of June.

It is 85 Kilometers from the Kona Pier to Hawi along the iconic Queen K and Akoni Pule highways. This route has a special place in the hearts of triathletes as it makes up a large portion of the bike and run courses for the Hawaiian Ironman. Hawi to Kona is also the final day and run leg of the Ultraman World Championship.

We might not be able to train in Hawaii right now but we can visualize and imagine being there again one day. Grab your shades and a visor and hit the road (or treadmill)!

You can run anywhere. Log your distance and submit proof to us via the link.

Proof can be in the form of device files or simply a photo of your running watch or treadmill screen. It just needs to include the date and distance.

Everyone who enters the Big Island Challenge will receive a commemorative plaque. As you reach your goals you will receive medallions that mount on the plaque to reward your progress. There is a medallion for reaching the halfway point at Mauna Lani Drive and a finisher medallion for completing the 85K. There is a special medallion for anyone who is able to run the equivalent of Kona to Hawi and back, or 170K in the month.

You can track your progress on the Big Island Challenge progress page listing participants and their total progress, updated daily. This page will be accessible to the public so that your friends and family can follow your run.

Runner cresting a hill on the Queen K Highway.

Image of the Big Island with a track from Kona to Hawi

These are challenging times for everyone, particularly for athletes. Covid 19 has caused the cancellation of races, events, and training camps. Physical Distancing makes it impossible to train with our teammates or training partners.