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TESTIMONIALS
Each participant in Ironman Revisited has a reason to pursue this journey. For some, it is unfinished business. For others, it's a chance to return to the place their beloved sport began when it really was just about the athlete, his crew and the course.
Luis Alvarez, Mexico City, Mexico
“This Ironman experience is unlike any other. It not only replicates the original 1978 Ironman course (Waikiki Rough water swim, Around Oahu Bike Race, and Honolulu Marathon), but there are no aid stations, no closed roads, and no required cut off times. Each athlete, therefore, needs his or her own support crew for survival.
The difference between the pain suffered on this Ironman course is knowing that your suffering will result in helping a challenged athlete get back on their feet and fulfill their lifelong goals and dreams.
The camaraderie among the participants, their crews and organizers is something special and makes for lasting memories. The “cherry of the pie,” however, is not that you get THE original hand made trophy made by the creator of the Ironman race, Commander John Collins, but that you are given the opportunity to complete THE original 1978 Hawaii course while helping others.”
Karl Haussmann, Austin, TX
”As I've gotten older and my goals and focus have changed, I've gotten to the point where understanding triathlon and its origins is as important to me as competing/participating. I've always had a special connection to the Ironman distance and have become especially attached to the Hawaiian Ironman. Imagine my curiosity when during my first Ironman experience I learned about the event's history. Ever since then, I've always wondered what it was like when it all first got started.”
Mike & Marti Greer, Texas - First couple of Ironman
”Marti and I represent a very small group in the respect that we are the only husband & wife team that, co-directs an Ironman Qualifier (Buffalo Springs Lake Triathlon, Lubbock, TX) and competes in Ironman Races together. We did the Great Floridian Iron distance race, New Zealand Ironman, and HI (Kona) in 2000, all together. We decided to enter Ironman Revisited to help benefit the CAF and to be part of past and present history of Ironman, especially since we are part of the Ironman family. We also like the laid back approach to this event and look forward to being part of it.”
Dean Lourens, San Diego - former Pro Triathlete
”I've been doing Ironman Races since 1983, and spent 10 years as a pro. I remember the days when we used toe clips and our families brought us water and Maize Meal from point to point. That was a great time and it really represents what Ironman is all about. Now I have the opportunity to return to Oahu with my family as my support crew and raise funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. My goal is to raise $10,000 because there are no excuses for anybody to not pursue a balanced lifestyle no matter who you are. And I want to see more athletes out here doing triathlons. I know my fundraising will make that happen.”
Chris Kostman, Race Director, BadWater – Ultra Marathon
”Let me tell you a few of the reasons that this event in particular means a lot to me. For starters, I've met some of the incredible athletes who have benefited from the efforts of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. I've seen what these amazing human beings can do, as long as they get the chance. They inspire the heck out of me and remind me of why I'm an athlete who likes to do what some people consider "extreme." Sure, an Ironman is tough, but imagine doing it with a prosthetic arm or leg or both? Now, that's tough! That's the real Ironman!
I'm also personally excited to be in this event because it will be the first time it has been held. It's a reenactment, so to speak, of the original Ironman Triathlon, back when it was held on Oahu, only a hundred people or less did it, and no big business was involved. Nowadays, 1500 or more people do the Hawaii Ironman on the Big Island, but not this event. It's special. I'm one of only a hundred people doing it in the first year and that really stokes me! I've always wanted to be in a great event in its first year, but I have never had the opportunity until now. (I was in the 6th Race Across America, the 2nd Iditasport, and the fifth Triple Ironman, for example.)
Lastly, I'm doing this race in the spirit of my all-time favorite personal philosophy fountain and television show, Magnum, P.I. You see, almost everything one needs to learn in life was covered in that program. Heck, Magnum even did the Ironman in one episode, solving a case in the process.”
Jon Beeson, Santa Barbara - Challenged Athlete
”Years before I began racing, the word "Ironman" had a special meaning to me: Perseverance...dedication...will. The incredible athletes that competed there were legendary: Tinley, Newby-Fraser, (Dave) Scott, (Mike) Pigg, (Mark) Allen, and (Julie) Moss. So when I learned that CAF was sponsoring Ironman Revisited and below knee amputees Paul Martin and Joel Sampson asked me to join them to relay the event, I leapt at the chance. I've competed in three ITU World Triathlon Championships but racing the original Ironman course in the footsteps of John Collins, Gordon Haller and Tom Watson will be the thrill of a lifetime. I can't wait.”
Jay Paul
"In returning to the roots of Ironman, I will be setting my own. This will be my first (of many I'm sure) Ironman. I was first inspired to participate when I was working on the finish line audio crew in '99, Kona. I was training for my third Honolulu Marathon at the time and in the days prior to race day I was running on Ali'i Drive and the energy was incredible. The Big Island has a very intense energy on it's own, and then add in hundreds of Ironpeople, It was awesome!
Race day brought me to tears a number of times. I remember an athlete with a prosthetic leg and " sub 11 " shaved into the back of his head, the Hoyts finishing in time, and sitting on the finish line tower well after midnight with the rest of the crew when two Japanese athletes came down Ali'i drive to the finish area. I couldn't believe that they were still out there even though finish line had shut down over an hour earlier. We were able to find a few lei's laying around to give them, but only had beer to offer to drink. We ended up giving them some ice from our cooler to suck on and rub on there legs. They thanked us with much bowing and "arigatos" and then headed off to the Hotel.
When I got back to Honolulu I was still buzzing for 2 or three days. I wrote in my log book in reference to Ironman, " I'll be here within 5 Years!"
I think this will be incredibly special event. I feel fortunate to be able to get to do this first, as my first, and in the process help some incredible athletes live their dreams too!"
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