5 140.6 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 140.6 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.
The purpose for our next set of events is to challenge ourselves physically while embracing the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian islands, and to enrich the guiding principle of kokua – to help & give back by way of fundraising.
This event is a fundraiser to benefit the Special Olympics Hawaii organization. We are looking for solid athletes with a passion for adventure and a desire to make the world a better place.
Here is an example of the event flow:
There are two registration entry fee options for the 2024 EPIC5 Challenge event, and a $250 USD non-refundable application fee. If accepted, the application fee will be applied towards your registration entry fee.
OPTION 1: Fundraising Athlete. Fundraise a minimum of $3,000 USD for the Special Olympics Hawaii organization and pay a special registration rate of $8,500 USD. You will have your own fundraising page, and the top fundraiser will be refunded the cost of two crew packages.
OPTION 2: Non-Fundraising Athlete. $9,900 USD + non-fundraising athletes are requested to donate a minimum $500 USD to the Special Olympics Hawaii organization.
We are also offering a FUNDRAISING RELAY TEAM option for this event. Each team must consist of 3 people, one per discipline. $2,900 USD per person + team fundraising minimum of $5,000 USD.
The registration entry fee includes the following:
You have the option of paying the full registration fee upfront (within 2 weeks of acceptance) and receive a 5% credit towards any add ons (crew fees, extra merchandise, etc).
Or you may split the registration fee into 4 payments, with the first payment of 25% due within 2 weeks of acceptance. The remaining payments of 25% each are due by January 2023, May 2023, November 2023. Any crew fees + any other add-ons are due by November 2023.
Failure to timely make any 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.
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 travel to the airport, rental car return, check-in and security screening. Day 1 needs to be completed in 15 hours for an evening flight. All other flights are in the morning.
First and foremost, we are looking for solid athletes with a passion for adventure and a desire to make the world a better place.
In regard to athletic experience, there is no one size fits all answer. Every person’s situation and experience is different. With that said, here are some general guidelines.
Leading up to the event, starting ~9-12 months out, we will hold a series of prep calls. This is where we’ll review important and helpful details, and answer questions. Attendance is required. Unable to attend live? Don’t worry! A recording will be sent to all registered athletes & crew.
Topic examples include:
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,700 athletes and unified partners on every island in the state. With the support of more than 11,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 10 Olympic-type sports and over 50 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. There is never a fee for any athlete or family to participate in Special Olympics programs.
Special Olympics Hawaii, Inc. is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 100% of your donation is tax-deductible. Federal Tax ID number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) 23-7173957. Donations made outside the United States may not be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor to determine your eligibility for tax deduction.
USAT 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.