I am crewing for a friend who is doing Ultraman in Kona for the first time this November. He has his race plan set and is up to the challenge. I on the other hand have some leg work to do. The race will only provide water and restrooms at the start and finish of each leg of the race. I have crewed for him on a few ultra distance running races but this will be a whole new experience. While there are a number of race reports out there from those who have done this race I can’t find much out there about the logistics of crewing for this self supporting event. I would assume a lot of info will come in the race package but I don’t know what will come or when.
So is there anybody out there who had done this race or been part of a support crew? Has anybody seen any race reports from the support crew point of view? How do we go about hiring an experienced kayaker escort for the swim? Anybody know a good kayaker on the big island?
The race this year is back to the origional around the island format and not the out and back each day.
Stage 1 Start Kailua Bay
Stage 1 finish Namakani Paio
Stage 2 finish Kohala High
Stage 3 finish Old Airport State Park
We will have 2.5 days to check out the course before the race but does anybody have any local knowledge about these places that would help?
And finally are there any Big Island Slowtwitchers that want to hook up or lend a hand for all or some of the race?
The race organizers usually have a list of people who sign up to volunteer to be kayakers for the swimmers. Barring that, call one of the local bike stores (B&L, Hawaiian Pedals) and ask them if they know of anybody willing to kayak for the swim leg.
The rest is mainly logistics. Most koku crews rent a minivan, and then start stocking it up with race fluids, foods, gear, extra bike stuff etc. You can pull off the road at any point in the bike to do bottle handoffs etc., so that’s not a big deal. Same for the run. As far as overnight accommodations, I know we stayed up at Kilauea Military Camp the first night and outside Hawi the second night. The longest day is the second day, with all of the biking that the racer has to do. The double-marathon is the killer day, though, and you’ve got to be up on food and fluid needs for the racer. They’re already running on thrashed legs from the day before.
Hinds57, my Canuck Buddies Tony O’Keeffe and Marty Raymond are both doing it. Tony has finished 2nd the past two years and Marty was 5th last year. Marty was Tony’s crew chief two years ago.
Email me at devashish.paul@sympatico.ca and i’ll put you in touch with these ultra studs. Both are military dudes and have logistics down to fine art.
