Sean "Peaman" Pagett, longtime Kona community volunteer and sponsor of the free Peaman race series, submitted the winning entry of Honu Triathlon to Ironman's "Name The Race" contest. The contest to name Ironman's newest race received over 170 entries from throughout the state and Pagett's winning entry earned him a weekend getaway at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.

Sean Pagett explained the inspiration behind the name, "It's multi-faceted because I love turtles, they are appropriately fitting to the Mauna Lani area, which is well-known for the honu and their Turtle Independence Day. This turtle release program has become a treasured Big Island event. What better race mascot than the honu with its uniquely Hawaiian flair?"

The inaugural Honu Triathlon, the official Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship Qualifier slated for June 13 on the Kohala Coast, is open this year to Hawaii residents only. To register for the 2004 Honu Triathlon visit www.active.com.

The qualifying race begins with a swim start at the Hapuna Beach State Park, the bike course will encompass a portion of the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, the 10k run will take place entirely within the Mauna Lani Resort. This year only, Honu Triathlon sets its course at the shorter Olympic-distance (1.5k-swim, 40k-bike, 10k-run) and will provide 35 qualifying slots to Big Island triathletes plus 20 qualifying slots for those residents from the surrounding neighbor islands. These slots qualify athletes for this October's 2004 Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

All Hawaii residents are invited to participate, yet only those finishers who have been residents for at least three years will be eligible for an Ironman qualifying slot. In 2005, the race will grow to a half-Ironman distance race and will include additional qualifying slots for mainland U.S. and international participants.

Mauna Lani Resort is located on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. It features the award-winning Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows, nestled oceanfront and surrounded by acres of preserved ancient Hawaiian fishponds. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is the headquarters hotel for Honu Triathlon. Resort amenities include two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, and the notable Mauna Lani Spa. Widely recognized as a pacesetter in historic preservation and land stewardship, Mauna Lani beckons visitors with its unparalleled spirit of place.