While most of us are tackling holiday shopping or easing into our winter off-season training, the ultimate ultra endurance test is unfolding in Hawaii. The Ultraman World Championships are now deep into stage two, and the 20 athletes who began this journey on November 28th are pushing through one of the most demanding events in endurance sport.
The format remains as awe-inspiring as ever. Over three consecutive days, competitors must complete a 10km open ocean swim, a 421km bike, and a 84km run. In total, the event covers 515km. A total of 20 athletes lined up this year, each with a previous Ultraman on their resume and each supported by a dedicated crew following them throughout the course.
A Short History of an Extraordinary Event
The Ultraman World Championships began in 1983 and were created as an odyssey of physical and personal discovery. The course was shaped by the geography of the Big Island itself, which dictates the 10km swim, the 421km, and the 84km run.
The event is capped at 40 athletes by invitation only and traditionally unfolds on the American Thanksgiving weekend. Stage one sends athletes from Kailua Bay to Keauhou Bay for the 10km swim, followed by a 145km ride. Stage two is a 276km bike. Stage three is a double marathon. Each stage must be completed within twelve hours, while the swim has its own cut-off at five and a half hours.
This year’s athletes are from Canada, Sweden, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and the United States. Many crew members come from the island community, and their presence embodies the values the race holds close: aloha, ohana, and kokua. Ultraman is built on shared effort, mutual support, and the belief that every finisher is a winner.
Last year Canada celebrated a historic breakthrough. Jen Annett won the 2024 Ultraman World Championship outright, becoming the first woman to claim the overall title. Her time of 23:04:56 set a new course record and secured her place in Ultraman history.
What Is Happening in Hawaii Right Now
While the 2025 race began with 20 athletes, two were unable to finish stage one. As day two unfolds, Max Kniazeu holds the overall lead. Canada has two athletes in the field: Scott McDermott, age 56, who is competing in his fourth Ultraman World Championship, along with David Matheson, age 53.
Live race coverage and updates from the ground can be found on Instagram at @ultramanworldchampshawaii and on Facebook at UMWC Hawaii.
The post The Ultraman World Championships Are Underway on the Big Island appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.