The biathlon is typically a winter event combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It’s undeniably cool and makes you feel like a Bond villain. But it’s not a very practical event for most people. And then there’s the triathlon, which combines running, swimming, and cycling in a grueling format that covers over 30 miles all tolled.
And then there’s the biathlon series that the Waikiki Swim Club puts on. These biathlons combine two events, running and swimming, to take advantage of the amazing local climate, which is warm and sunny year-round.
The 2019-2020 Waikiki Swim Club Biathlon Series is just about to get started. If you’re an endurance athlete, or just like to play one on the weekends, you need to check it out. It features three big-time races: The Christmas Biathlon, The Magic Island Biathlon, and the Valentine’s Day Biathlon.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to run along one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches, check out some of the information below.
The Christmas Biathlon
You have two opportunities to sign up for the Christmas Biathlon. Late entry closes on December 24th, 2019 at 6 PM HST. For those who choose to sign up for the late entry, you are not guaranteed at t-shirt at the race.
The Christmas Biathlon, itself, is held on December 7th, 2019. The check-in time is at 6:15-7:15 AM. The race, itself, starts at 7:30 AM. Luckily, you won’t need to wait in line for a packet. Instead, once you arrive, you’ll be given your race number as well as the instructions for the race.
The Magic Island Biathlon
If you miss the Christmas Biathlon, then that’s totally fine. The Magic Island Biathlon follows the same instructions as the Christmas Biathlon. You’ll need to arrive between 6:15 and 7:15 in the morning on the race day, January 11th, 2020.
Early entry for the Magic Island Biathlon ends on December 30th, 2019. Late entry closes on January 8th, 2020, at 6 PM HST.
The Valentines Biathlon
Finally, the Valentine’s Biathlon is also held on Waikiki Beach. Its race day is February 9th, 2020. Early entry ends on January 27th, 2020. Late entry closes on February 5th, 2020, at 6 PM HST.
All races begin at 7:30 in the morning and have a check-in time between 6:15 and 7:15 AM HST.
The Course
For those who aren’t familiar with the biathlon course, you’re going to have a 5K run around the Ala Moana Beach Park. This is followed by a 1K swim that fronts the park. The starting point is at the Diamond Head Concession.
You’ll begin with the 5K run and then finish with the 1K swim. In total, the Biathlon is expected to last around one hour and 15 minutes.
How to Make the Most of Your Biathlon
For first-timers and experienced biathlon competitors, having a plan can help you beat some of the competition. You’ll want to arrive at Waikiki a few days before the race. This allows you to acclimate to the weather that you’ll be running in. Even the hardiest of athletes may not perform well if they don’t take the time to prepare their bodies well.
When choosing a place to stay, you’ll want to consider a place that pampers its guests. The Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa features a fun resort atmosphere that’s close to where the biathlon is going to be held. Its award-winning spa provides ample recovery after a hard-run/swam race. The Moana Surfrider is another good choice. This historic resort has been in operations since 1901, but it offers guests a relaxing, modern experience.
No matter where you choose, be sure to give yourself some time to recover before hopping on a long flight home. Plus, it can’t hurt spending some extra time in Waikiki this winter!