Does anyone know how they came up with 2.4, 112, and 26.2 mile distances? I’m just curious…
Waikiki Roughwater swim distance
Round the Island bike ride
Marathon
http://www.ironman4charity.com/triathlons.asp has a bit of history. The book “Iron Will” is also excellent.
clm
Does anyone know how they came up with 2.4, 112, and 26.2 mile distances? I’m just curious…
2.4 swim - the distance of the annual open water swim race
112 bike - the distance around the big island
26.2 run - standard marathon distance
Ah, interesting…thank you.
“112 bike - the distance around the big island”
actually that’s the distance around Oahu, not the Big Island.
112 bike - the distance around the big island
Actually that’s the ditance around Oahu, where the first Ironman was held. The Island is (as the name idicates) bigger…kj
Really it is not the distance around Oahu, but is the distance of the longest one day race of the cycling season on Oahu.( This year it will be held on September 11, one week after the Waikiki Roughwater) The race is now known as the Dick Evans Memorial Road Race. Though it is credited as being 112 miles long, the distance has varied from year to year based on road availaibility and safety issues.
The actual distance around Oahu depends on the road you take. The Perimeter relay claims to be 134 miles and it seems to circumnavigate the entire island. I for one am glad that the original organizers choose the shorter route for the bike leg.
Really it is not the distance around Oahu, but is the distance of the longest one day race of the cycling season on Oahu.( This year it will be held on September 11, one week after the Waikiki Roughwater) The race is now known as the Dick Evans Memorial Road Race. Though it is credited as being 112 miles long, the distance has varied from year to year based on road availaibility and safety issues.
The actual distance around Oahu depends on the road you take. The Perimeter relay claims to be 134 miles and it seems to circumnavigate the entire island. I for one am glad that the original organizers choose the shorter route for the bike leg.
Actually, at the time, the around Oahu bike race/ride was a 2 day event and 115 miles long. The 112 came about because the exit of the Waikiki rough water swim (Ft. Derusey) and the start of the Honolulu marathon (Aloha Tower) was about 3 miles apart. 115 minus 3 equals 112. I know, I was there.
You are right that the IM was based upon a race that was actually two days and held in conjunction with the Haleiwa Sea Spree. The first day went from Haleiwa to Kapiolani Park. The second day continued around the island from the park back to Haleiwa. That is an interesting explanation about the 115 becoming 112 because of the gap between the finish of the swim and Aloha Tower. Right now the route is probably closer to 110—do you know how they got it to 115?
You are right that the IM was based upon a race that was actually two days and held in conjunction with the Haleiwa Sea Spree. The first day went from Haleiwa to Kapiolani Park. The second day continued around the island from the park back to Haleiwa. That is an interesting explanation about the 115 becoming 112 because of the gap between the finish of the swim and Aloha Tower. Right now the route is probably closer to 110—do you know how they got it to 115?
The highways have change a lot since 1978. I suspect that is the difference. Or, the mileage back then was done by car odometer and not surveyed or with GPS.
My favorite part of this story is that the original IM race was an ego-off between a bunch of Navy Seals concieved in a bar accompanied by beers.
My favorite part of this story is that the original IM race was an ego-off between a bunch of Navy Seals concieved in a bar accompanied by beers.
Wrong. We are writing a book. Each original will have his (there were no hers) chapter t tell his story. Hopefully it will be ready this decade to dispell all these crazy rumors.
Wow, shot down by one of the original Ironmen… don’t I feel sheepish
That is folklore. Nice story but not quite true.