HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Oahu Pentathlon is a multi-sport endurance event to circumnavigate the island by swimming, running, paddling, sandbag carry and biking.
With options to participate as an individual or team, this event is focused on building a community that embodies the cultural values of Aloha, Malama, Kokua, Hau’oli and Ho’omau.
The Oahu Pentathlon is a fundraiser for Point One Vision, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that aims to equip, empower and educate people in what it means to be “strong to serve.”
This year the event is also partnered with the Ahonui Foundation to provide scholarships to local Hawaiian youth.
The Oahu Pentathlon started with the single endeavor of Sarah Loogman to circumnavigate the island of Oahu through multiple modalities as a way to bring attention to a spectrum of nonprofit organizations.
What she expected to be a solo effort extended to a team of 28 people who would come together to support and join by segments, who gathered together in a backyard barbecue the next day -- this became the grassroots weekend of the Oahu Pentathlon.
Although the event is relatively inclusive, it does take some serious preparation and knowing the personal risk that you take.
Sarah shared, "It’s an adventure race. There are many inherent risks that an athlete agrees to. That said, the ability to take this event on as a team really does make this accessible to just about anyone and that’s the beauty of teamwork that we want to embody through this event. You truly cannot embark on this experience alone. The total course is 135 miles, and the athletes have up to 24 hours to complete it, from sunrise to sunset. We’ve been amazed at what people are capable of, but we typically see athletes finish at about 20 to 22 hours. It involves a 2-mile swim, 16-mile run, 12-mile paddle, 10-mile sandbag carry at 45 lbs and 95 total miles on a bike. It’s a self-supported event so that means that athletes need to have their own support system to transport gear, get them food and drink and generally aid them along the course."
To get more information or to sign-up for next year's event check out The Oahu Pentathlon.