WHAT IS THE KONA FIVE?

The Kona Five Ultra Triathlon is an annual event consisting of 5 Iron Distance Triathlons (on the Kona Ironman World Championship Course)… in 5 Days (120 Hour Cut Off)… all Self Supported (No Crew).

It was first completed by Kona Keith in 2016 and is featured in his book “Kona Five – Taking On Life’s Challenges and Kona’s Toughest Ultra-Triathlon“.

In 2017 it was completed by Kona Keith and Joshua Baker and is featured in this award winning “Kona Five Ultra Triathlon – Feature Film“.  You can also view the Movie Trailer HERE.

In 2018 it was ranked as the “3rd hardest triathlon in the world” by 220 Triathlon Magazine.  Later that year, while cycling training for the event, Kona Keith was hit by a truck and severely injured (broken hip & back)… therefore the event was cancelled.

In 2019, after recovering from his injuries, it was completed solo by Kona Keith.

In 2020 it was cancelled due to the pandemic.

In 2021, 2022, and 2023 the event was shortened to 1 Iron Distance Triathlon (on the Kona Ironman World Championship Course)… in 1 Day (17 Hour Cut Off)… all Self Supported (No Crew)… and was completed solo each time by Kona Keith.

The current plan is to hold the annual event for the foreseeable future.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE KONA FIVE?

1. To give athletes (with the dream of completing the Kona Ironman) not only the opportunity to complete the Kona Ironman World Championship Course one time… but five times in five days!

2. To give athletes the opportunity of a lifetime to push & test their physical & mental limits against the toughest ultra-triathlon in Kona, Hawaii… and to be one of only a handful of elite athletes to have completed it.

3. To give athletes the opportunity to see the beauty of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (volcanoes, lava fields, coral reefs, beaches, sunrises, and amazing sunsets)… all from a unique and unforgettable perspective.

4. To develop a spirit of comradery and mutual support among all the athletes… with the goal to see how many athletes we can get to the finish… NOT who finishes first.

5. To build life-long friendships with some amazing athletes and super kind & positive people.

WHEN IS THE NEXT KONA FIVE?

The event is held in early November on an annual basis.

WHAT IS THE EVENT SCHEDULE?

Monday – Athletes Arrive
Tuesday – Pre-Event Prep > Pre-Event Group Dinner.
Wednesday – Day 1 – Bike > Swim > Run
Thursday – Day 2 – Bike > Swim > Run
Friday – Day 3 – Bike > Swim > Run
Saturday – Day 4 – Bike > Swim > Run
Sunday – Day 5 – Bike > Swim > Run
Monday – Post-Event Group Dinner >Post-Event Pack Up
Tuesday – Athletes Depart

HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRY FEE AND WHAT DOES IT PROVIDE?

$2950 USD provides the following:

– Coaching & Guidance by Event Founder & Director ~ Kona Keith
– Shuttle Service to & from the Kona International Airport and the Kona Five House
– Lodging in the Kona Five House for 9 days / 8 nights
– Pre-Event Dinner and Post-Event Brunch
– Basic Foods & Drinks (athletes will have the opportunity to purchase their own specialty food & drinks)
– Kona Five Swag (premium cycling jersey & shorts, backpack, water bottle, swim cap, t-shirt, visor, hat, etc.)
– Finisher Award

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS?

We are looking for kind & positive people… with “we not me” attitudes… and significant “never-quit” triathlon resumes.

WHAT STEPS ARE INVOLVED IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

Step 1 – APPLICATION – Submit the contact form below and tell us why you want to do this event and how you fit the type of athlete we are looking for. In turn, you will receive a confirmation email from us that we have received your application.
Step 2 – INTERVIEW – If we have spots still open and we deem you would be a suitable candidate, we will email you to arrange a 15 minute interview.
Step 3 – REVIEW – We will do a final review of your qualifications and then let you know our decision via email.
Step 4 – AGREEMENT – If you are offered a spot in our event, we will forward an Athlete Agreement for you to review & sign.
Step 5 – ENTRY FEE – A $1000 deposit is due within 15 days of you receiving the Athlete Agreement. The remaining $1950 is due by August 1st. All payments are non-refundable.

For applications, sponsorship, or press inquiries, submit the form below and we will respond ASAP.