What is the EPIC5 Challenge Hawaii all about?

5 Iron Distance Triathlons | 5 Hawaiian Islands | 5 Days

The EPIC5 Challenge was founded in 2010 by Jason Lester  when he and Rich Roll set out to complete what many deemed the impossible. The two embarked on an unprecedented and spiritual odyssey consisting of 5 Full Iron Distance triathlons on 5 Hawaiian Islands, finishing in under a week.

Since then, some of the world’s toughest ultra triathletes have participated in this annual event, testing the limits of mind, body & spirit as they embark on a 5 day passage to discover the depths of oneself. As featured in Rich Roll’s best selling book “Finding Ultra”, the EPIC5 Challenge is an unparalleled athletic journey and a once in a lifetime triathlon adventure.

When are the next EPIC5 Challenge Hawaii events?

  • 6 – 10 May 2019
  • 3-7 May 2021

NOTE: no classic EPIC5 in 2020 in lieu of the EPICDECA which is being held to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the EPIC5

 What is the schedule?

 

How much is the entry fee and what does it include?

The entry fee for 2019 is $8500 USD

This fee includes the following:

  • An ultra tri experience in a small adventurous group setting with a focus on unique, non-repetitive courses while touring the Hawaiian islands
  • Inter-island travel for the athlete between Kauai – Oahu – Molokai – Maui –  Kona
  • Event photographer to document the journey
  • Professional bike mechanics for daily build/breakdown & on course
  • Swag bag:
    • Travel bag (duffel)
    • 1 Bike Kit (jersey + choice of cycle shorts or bib)
    • 1 Polo Shirt 
    • 1 Wind Jacket 
    • 2 Shirts (1 tank, 1 tee) 
    • 1 Visor 
    • 1 Running hat (tech material)
    • 2 Swim caps
    • 1 Transition towel
    • 1 Polar insulated water bottle
    • 1 Multi-purpose head buff
    • 3 Reflective vests (evening use for athlete, pacer, crew)
    • 3 Shirts per crew (choice of tee or tanks)
    • 1 hat or visor per crew
  • Group meals for athlete & crew:
    • Meet & Greet pre-race dinner in Kauai
    • Pre-Race Meeting Breakfast in Kauai
    • Award Banquet dinner in Kona
    • Post event celebratory breakfast in Kona
    • Continental type breakfast during event
  • Ice chest/cooler
  • Finisher Award

 When is the entry fee due and what are the disclosures?

50% of your total registration fee is due within five (5) business days of your acceptance by EPIC5 Challenge to participate in the event. The remaining 50% of the total registration fee is due on the date that is five (5) calendar months prior to the first day of the event.  Invoices will be sent via email and can be paid with either credit card or bank wire transfer. 

Failure to timely make either of these payments shall result in the forfeiture of your participation slot as well as any monies that you may have paid to EPIC5 Challenge.

EPIC5 Challenge, at its sole discretion, may defer your entry to a future event upon your written request and on a case-by-case basis, but is under no obligation to do so.

Lastly, in the event that a minimum number of participants (as determined by EPIC5 Challenge) have not been accepted by EPIC5 Challenge by five (5) calendar months prior to the first day of the event, EPIC5 Challenge, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to cancel such event and provide a full refund of all monies that you may have paid to EPIC5 Challenge.

 What other expenses are typical?

  • Athlete & crew travel to Kauai / home from Kona
  • Crew Package – $695 USD per each crew member. Includes all inter-island travel, event meals & crew swag bag
  • Interisland lodging – a list of recommended lodging will be available, many with discounted rates
  • Luggage fees 
  • Rental vehicles, fuel and parking costs – minivan highly recommended
  • Meals, nutrition, water, ice, etc. (other than Group Meals listed above) for athlete & crew

What is the daily time limit?

Each athlete must complete each day with enough time to make the flights, finishing no later than approximately 2 hours before flight time to allow for rental car return, check-in and security screening.  Day 1 needs to be completed in 15-15.5 hours. 

 What does it mean to be USAT Sanctioned?

usat sanctioned eventUSAT or USA Triathlon is the governing body of multisport in the United States. The term “sanction” refers to the compliance of a multisport event to USAT’s safety requirements and staffing. Safety plans, course maps, and event details must be reviewed & approved by USAT. This ensures events are safe and fair competition environments, with the EPIC5 events credited towards your annual USAT rankings.

USAT sanctions and insures a multitude of events across the United States. USAT not only sanctions triathlons, but also paratriathlons, duathlons, aquathlons, aquabikes, off-road events, winter triathlons, youth races, camps and clinics.

 

How do I apply?