KONA, HAWAII – Imagine being accidentally kicked, punched, grabbed and slapped while trying to freestyle 2.4 miles through unpredictable currents. Then, try and bike 112 along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway while the Hawaiian heat and wind gods wish nothing but torturous 45 mph head- and cross-winds, and skillet-like temperatures upon your struggling body. Finally, run a marathon. Yes, a marathon—a full 26.2 miles to the famous Ali’i Drive finish.
This 140.6-mile challenge is what more than 2,300 of the world’s most elite athletes will have the opportunity to complete at the 2016 Ironman World Championship on Oct. 8.