The 5th installment of the Race to Base triathlon in Hawaii, held on November 2, 2019, was a fantastic event supporting fallen police officers. The conditions were ideal for racing.
Travel to Honolulu and Race Logistics This unique race spans across Oahu, starting at Alamoana Beach Park and finishing at Aikahi Elementary School in Kailua. Participants typically fly into Honolulu International Airport and can choose accommodations in Honolulu, Waikiki, or Kailua. On race morning, there are no shuttles to the beach park, but ample parking is available, unlike previous years when passes were required.
Pre-Race Activities The pre-race setup was straightforward. Packet pickup took place at BOCA Hawaii, with athlete briefings provided. Parking at BOCA is limited, so arriving early is recommended. Notably, participants had to submit their run bags during packet pickup due to the two-transition nature of the race.
Race Morning Experience The morning focused on the bike ride over the H3 Freeway. The transition area, located a 10-minute walk from parking, lacked clear signage, typical for a local race. After setting up and a quick swim to warm up, I unfortunately hit my foot on the coral reef, a downside of the new race start location.
Swim Start The race began with a water start. The swim course was slightly longer than planned, but overall, I was content with my performance despite the rocky start.
The Bike Segment The bike route was enjoyable and challenging, with a mix of flat sections and a climb up the mountain. Despite potholes on the road, the experience was exhilarating, especially with the downhill segments. I managed to catch up with several competitors, exiting the bike segment in a good position.
Transition Challenges A minor hiccup occurred in transition due to a tightly tied run bag, costing me some time.
Running to the Finish The run, my strongest segment, started with some cramps, but I persevered. I managed to overtake several competitors, finishing the run in 5th place. The encouragement I offered to other runners was a highlight of my experience.
Post-Race Reflections At the finish line, it was a pleasant surprise to be greeted by Janell with my medal. Post-race, we enjoyed local snacks and awaited the award ceremony. The race offers shuttle services for participants and their bikes back to the start line.
Overall Impressions I found the Race to Base triathlon to be a fun and unique local event with ample support and a course that never feels overcrowded. My performance improved significantly compared to two years ago, showing progress in my fitness. I hope this race continues for its great cause and unique experience.
