What is the EPIC565?
The EPIC565 is a 5 island adventure at the 70.3 triathlon distance.This event is a fundraiser to benefit the Special Olympics Hawaii organization.
5-70.3 Distance Triathlons | 5 Hawaiian Islands | 5 Days = 565 km
Our purpose for this event 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.
We are looking for solid athletes with a passion for adventure and a desire to make the world a better place.
When is the EPIC565 event?
The EPIC565 will take place May 5-9, 2025.
What is the schedule?
We will start on Kauai and finish on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our adventure will include travel between 5 Hawaiian islands. Each day will start at approximately 6am and finish about 2:30pm. We’ll travel in the late afternoon/early evenings, arriving at the next island in time to get a decent night of sleep.
How much is the registration fee & what does it include?
Option 1: The standard registration fee for the EPIC565 event is $6565 USD per athlete + a $250 minimum donation to Special Olympics Hawaii.
Option 2: The fundraising registration fee for the EPIC565 event is $5565 USD per athlete, with a $2500 minimum fundraising goal to benefit Special Olympics Hawaii. You will have your own fundraising page, and the top fundraiser will be refunded 50% of their registration fee.
Special Olympics Hawaii, Inc. is recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 100% of each 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.
Your registration fee includes the following:
- A fully supported ultra tri experience in a small adventurous group setting with a focus on unique courses while touring the Hawaiian islands
- Professional bike mechanics for daily build/breakdown & on course support
- Event photographer to document the journey
- Interisland flight package
- Aid stations with water & ice (athlete provides drop bag contents) – crew is optional
- Group meals:
– Meet & greet lunch
– Award celebration - An EPIC swag bag:
– Travel backpack
– 1 Bike Jersey
– 2 Shirts (1 tank, 1 tee)
– 1 Visor
– 1 Running hat (tech material)
– 2 Swim caps
– 1 Water bottle
– 1 Multi-purpose head buff
– 1 Reflective vest - Koa wood finisher award
- Traditional event bowl
When is the entry fee due and what are the disclosures?
You have the option of paying the full registration fee upfront and receiving a 5% credit towards any add ons (ground transportation shuttle, crew fees, extra merchandise, etc).
Or you may split the registration fee into 4 payments, with 25% due at time of registration. The remaining payments are due October 2023, May 2024, November 2024.
Any crew fees + any other add-ons are due by November 2024.
The Relay Team has the option to pay the full registration fee upfront and receiving a 5% credit towards any add ons (ground transportation shuttle, crew fees, extra merchandise, etc), or splitting into two payments, with the second payment due May 2024.
Failure to timely make the payments shall result in the forfeiture of your participation slot as well as any monies that you may have paid to EPIC5 Challenge, and forfeiture of amounts paid to charity.
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 five (5) calendar months prior to the first day of the event, EPIC5 Challenge, on 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 Shuttle Package (optional), $595 USD per person. Ideal for the solo athlete. All event ground transportation provided, no rental cars needed.
– Airport pickup and drop-offs
– Lodging drop offs and pickups (within 1 mile of host hotel/lodging)
– Start and finish line transportation
– Evening stop at grocery store or restaurant
– Limited to 1 bike box + 1 luggage + 1 carry on (duffel or backpack) - Rental car (optional), if not using the shuttle package, or for athletes with crew. Rates vary by location & car selection.
- Interisland luggage fees for any checked bags/bike box, $15-35 standard luggage fee per item per leg. Oversize & overweight are additional.
– Bike boxes limited to 80 linear inches. Oversize fee is +$35 per item per leg.
– Maximum weight is 50 pounds. Overweight fee of +$35 per item per leg, 51-70 pounds.
– Total estimate for luggage fees is (15+35+20)*4=$280. This assumes one standard size luggage + 1 bike box under 50 lbs.
– Fees are estimates as of publication of this page. For current rates, please see Hawaiian Airlines baggage page and Mokulele Airlines baggage page.
– For best rates, join the Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer program for a discount on baggage fees. - Athlete (+ any crew) travel to/from Hawaii. Cost varies depending on where you’re traveling from. Arrival airport is Lihue, Kauai (LIH) and departure airport is Kona, Hawaii (KOA).
- Inter-island lodging, approximately $150-250 USD per night depending if you’re sharing or solo.
– A list of recommended lodging will be available, some with discounted rates.
– We can help facilitate athlete room shares, pending interest. - Daily meals/dinner – on own. Cost varies depending on venue & selections.
- Optional Crew Package, $850 USD per person, includes interisland travel, t-shirt, hat or visor, official event meals (pre-race lunch & post-race award dinner).
What are the time limits?
The daily time limit is 8.5 hours. ~6:00am-2:30pm.
The swim cutoff is 1h:10m after we start.
The bike cutoff is 6h:00m after we start.
Leading up to the event, starting ~6-8 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. We will record for those who can’t join live.
Topic examples include:
- Travel, lodging & ground transportation
- All things bike (courses, rules & regulations, mechanic support)
- Interisland travel & island resources + schedule
- Course maps (optional)
What are the qualifications to be accepted?
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 regards 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.
- Must be able to complete each day in 8.5 hours.
- Must be able to complete a 1.2 mile open water swim in approximately 1 hour or less (maximum time limit for swim is 1h:10m).
- Completion of a 140.6 distance triathlon is recommended.
- Multi-day endurance experience is helpful but not required.
Next Steps
- Submit application by selecting the REGISTER NOW button below
- Pay registration fee
- Application review
- Invitation extended, or
Invitation not extended (deposit refunded minus $250 administrative fee) - Train
Is there a Massage Therapist available?
Yes. We have a Massage Therapist on staff and sessions are available for purchase both pre and post event (45 or 90 mins, $90/$150), as well as limited slots daily during the event (45 mins/$90). You can purchase a session here.
Special Olympics Hawaii
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.
What does it mean to be USAT Sanctioned?
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.
