Posted: December 15, 2004

Triathlon: Irish Triathlete Completes Hawaii Deca Triathlon

Ultra Triathlete Desmond Kiernan recently returned from Hawaii where he came 10th in the Hawaii Deca Triathlon.

The event, which started on November 13th, consists of a 24mile swim, 1,120mile cycle, and 262mile run.

Yes, you read that right. Its the equivalent of 10 Ironman Triathlons. Only the toughest of the tough can complete, this, the most gruelling race in the world.

Des finished the 24mile swim in 16 hours 20mins, in 12th place. He got out and jumped straight on to his bike to start the 1,120mile cyle, only to get off to sleep for 4 or 5 hours a day. He finished this leg in just over 160 hours. After the bike he dropped back to 17th place but he knew he had more in the tank for the run, and the run leg was 'only' the equivalent of racing 10 marathons back to back. He made up quiet a few places on the run, finishing in 10th place in a time of 12 days, 9 hours, 9 mins, 35 secs.

Des, 42, pictured above, has raced in triathlons for years and has been racing Ultra Distance Triathlons for the last few years. He will be taking a well deserved rest for a while before deciding on his next endeavour, but it will be hard to beat this one.

The event website is at: www.decahawaii.com.