About the Race Itself
History of the Ironmanm
The Kona Ironman is renowned as one of the toughest endurance races in the world, attracting top athletes from across the globe. Since its inception in 1978, the race has been a pinnacle of physical and mental strength. Held annually in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the event consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) open-water swim, a grueling 112-mile (180.25 km) bike ride, followed by a full marathon of 26.2 miles (42.2 km). Over the years, the Kona Ironman has gained legendary status as a true test of athleticism and perseverance.
About
Sarah Rossi
Firefighter turned Ironman world champion qualifier
Though she may be relatively new to the sport of triathlon, Sarah's passion and dedication have propelled her to qualify for the Kona Ironman in her very first attempt in Tulsa. Her journey towards this momentous achievement has been nothing short of remarkable. From her early days as a fierce competitor in night games, swim team, soccer, and rugby, Sarah's athletic prowess and competitive spirit only continues developing.
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After completing her degree in parks and natural resource management, Sarah embarked on a series of wilderness stints all over the US working on trail crews. These experiences sharpened her skills and instilled in her a deep appreciation for resilience and mental fortitude. She later transitioned into firefighting, serving at the Berthoud Fire Protection District. Currently, she works as a firefighter at the Denver Fire Department.
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In 2022, Sarah decided to venture into the world of triathlons. Her first race was an Ironman 70.3 in Galveston, TX. She finished the race under 6 hours. With sheer determination and relentless training, she embraced the physical challenges of swimming, cycling, and running. A year later, Sarah's commitment paid off as she secured her spot in the Kona Ironman, an accomplishment that is even more impressive given her self-created training plan.
