Local event takes triathlon off-road

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In an event focused on training rather than finishing time, the Goatman Triathlon took place just up the road from Kailua Kona Sunday morning.

In an event focused on training rather than finishing time, the Goatman Triathlon took place just up the road from Kailua Kona Sunday morning.

Goatman is a “Peaman” style event where emphasis is placed on training together on the same course. The event is still relatively unknown with around 20 athletes competing in the triathlon.

The off-road event was held at Kekaha Kai State Park and started with a one-third mile swim at Mahaiula Beach. After the swim, the athletes moved on to bike portion of the event.

Unlike most bike rides in a triathlon, this one came with a much higher degree of difficulty as it took part on a 5.3 mile loop within the lava rock. Riders had to avoid sharp rocks and were encouraged to carry or run their bikes over parts of the course that they felt might be beyond their skill level.

After completing two laps, which crossed Kekaha Kai road and came up to the shoulder of Queen Kaahumanu Highway, participants hopped off their bikes and finished the race with a 3.5 mile run north along the ocean.

The tired contestants were able to gain some much needed calories back once the race was over as Bike Works mechanic Nick Nelson flipped burgers on the grill. The event was hosted by Bike Works.