Ancient Peaman Customs Persist at Kaiakeakua Shoreline
KAILUA-KONA - On a sunny Sunday morning, Kaiakeakua Beach became a bustling hub as over 80 courageous athletes participated in the Peaman Road Runner Biathlon, an annual free swim-run event that's been a beloved Kona tradition for 38 years.
With clear skies and calm waters, the athletes gathered early, ready to test their fitness in a half-mile ocean swim in Kailua Bay and a 3.5-mile run along the picturesque Alii Drive shoreline. Sean "Peaman" Pagett, the event organizer, explained that the Peaman Biathlons have always been more about building community and celebrating health, fun, camaraderie, and connection than the finish line.
"This event, just like every Peaman event, is about the community," Peaman declared. "It's free, for the community, by the community, and everyone contributes to make it happen. The drive to keep it going is that it's a blast. I've always believed as long as it's fun, I'll keep putting on Peamans. It's all about fitness, fun, camaraderie, and connection."
What sets the Peaman Biathlons apart is the adaptability they offer. Athletes can choose between long and short courses, and participants can go solo or relay. Peaman's primary aim is to bring people together, maintain the spirit of fun, and ensure the event thrives. With the majority of the participants under the age of 18, the event has evolved into one of the most consistent youth fitness gatherings on the island — an essential outlet for young athletes to stay active, boost their confidence, and connect with their peers beyond the confines of home and screens.
"First and foremost, it's an excellent way for kids to learn to enjoy physical exercise, which is crucial," Peaman emphasized. "It's also a great way for them to meet new people, find discipline, and focus on organizing themselves before diving into the water for a swim and then running or walking. In essence, it's essential to keep them off electronic devices and in the open air."
In the men's division, Kealakehe High School's star cross-country and track and field athlete, Archer Ankrum, clinched the overall win with a remarkable performance in a brisk time of 37 minutes and 19 seconds. Close on his heels was Nathan Coates in second place, finishing in 37:50, with Colin Shields completing the podium in third with a time of 41:59.
In the women's category, it was Anna Thomas who triumphed with a time of 45:12. Lindsay Resetnikov and Heather Johnson followed suit, claiming the second and third podium spots with their times of 54:14 and 55:32 respectively.
In the Pea Wee division, a 200-yard swim and 1-mile run, Haaken Ronning and Anna Kestler reigned supreme, taking home the male and female titles with impressive times of 13:16 and 14:22 respectively.
For many participants, the memories made went beyond the race times. Whether it was their very first ocean swim to the half-mile buoy, a parent jogging alongside their child, or Buddy the dog competing in the 2-mile run, these lasting experiences fuel their desire to return every month.
The next Peaman Biathlon event is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. To learn more or volunteer, get in touch with Peaman at 938-2296.
- The Peaman Biathlon, a free and community-centric sporting event in Kailua-Kona, attracts over 80 participants every year, promoting fitness, fun, camaraderie, and connection.
- The event encourages sportsmanship and inclusivity, offering various course lengths and options for individual and team competitions, catering to both young and old athletes.
- Archer Ankrum from Kealakehe High School emerged victorious in the men's division, with Anna Thomas dominating the women's category, setting impressive race times.
- The Peaman Biathlon not only fosters athletic abilities but also helps instill discipline, boosts young athletes' confidence, and serves as an essential outlet for social interaction beyond digital screens.
