The Kona Ironman Triathlon.

The Kona Ironman is the most famous triathlon in the world and probably the most sought after to participate in. Many of these athletes are people who have had to pre-qualify before they can even participate, and believe me, these people are in shape.

Some families may not consider watching a race a very fun experience on a family vacation getaway, but I beg to differ. Watching an Ironman is a great way to interact with other people and be around people when they are happy and in good moods. Spectators at sporting events such as Ironman's, are people who are easy going and there to have a good time. Your family will get to see the culture of the big island and Hawaii come out in an event such as this.

So what is so cool about the Kona Ironman? Well, first you have to understand what kind of athletes you will be watching. These triathletes compete in a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride to the northern tip of the island and back, and then a 26.2 mile (marathon) run along the coast. To top it all off, these athletes will do it all non stop in one day and finish in the 8-12 hour range. Sound nuts? I think it is! You want to know what is really nuts? There are athletes who have often competed in numerous other Ironman triathlons and think it is an honor to get in to the Kona Ironman.

I believe watching an event like this, is a great opportunity to show your kids what spirit is. Watching the pain these athletes endure and the strength they must draw upon is something else. It is awe-inspiring and can quite possibly inspire one of your children to realize just how important it is to put your mind to a task and accomplish it. If you think about it, accomplishing just one of these tasks would be considered a great feat, but tying them together and doing it all together is truly awesome.