EPIC565

5 – 70.3 distance triathlons | 5 Hawaiian Islands | 5 days

Monday - Friday, May 5-9, 2025

70.3 miles x 5 = 565 kilometers

The EPIC5 Challenge was founded in 2010 by Jason Lester when he and Rich Roll set out to accomplish what many believed to be impossible. Their journey—a groundbreaking and deeply spiritual quest—took them across five Hawaiian Islands, completing five full 140.6-mile triathlons in under a week.

For those who want to experience the magic of EPIC5 without the extreme sleep deprivation and hallucinations of the EPIC5 Classic, we created the EPIC565. Covering the same breathtaking course at a fraction of the cost—roughly one-third to half—this version still demands strength, resilience, and adventure. While a crew of one to two is ideal, seasoned ultra-endurance athletes may choose to go solo.

This event is a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Hawaii, supporting local athletes in their pursuit of excellence. We’re looking for dedicated endurance athletes who crave adventure and want to make a difference. Are you ready for the challenge?

Registration options & inclusions.

There are three registration options for the 2025 EPIC565 ultra tri event. 

OPTION 1: Non-Fundraising Athlete. $7,565 USD + a suggested $250 USD donation to the Special Olympics Hawaii (SOH) organization.

OPTION 2: Fundraising Athlete. Fundraise a minimum of $2,500 USD for the Special Olympics Hawaii organization and pay a special registration rate of $6,500 USD. You will have your own fundraising page. All donations are tax deductible & go directly to SOH..

OPTION 3:  Fundraising Relay Team. 2-3 people, one person per discipline or alternate full days.  $3,565 USD per person + team fundraising minimum of $5,000 USD.

Entry Fee Inclusions

An ultra tri experience in a small adventurous supportive group setting with a focus on unique courses while touring the Hawaiian Islands

  • Inter-island travel for the athlete: 2 commercial flights + 2 private charters.

  • Professional photographer to document the journey.

  • Professional bike mechanic for daily build/breakdowns & on course support

  • An EPIC swag bag which includes a 40L drybag backpack, bike jersey, hat or visor, tee, tank, swim caps, head-buff, reflective vest, luggage tags and all sorts of other swag & goodies.

  • Koa wood award medal (for finishers).

  • Event bowl

  • Event meals: Pre-race meet & greet social, pre-race brunch + post race celebration dinner & post-race celebration brunch.

What other expenses are typical?

Total additional expenses are estimated at ~$3500+ USD. Cost is dependent on how many crew you bring (if any), are you frugal or extravagant with meals, how many hotel rooms or will you be solo & share with another athlete, where are you traveling from and will you use points & miles to book travel to/from HI or pay market rates, how far in advance you book, rental cars vs event shuttle etc.

  • Athlete (and crew, if any) travel to/from Hawaii.

  • Luggage & bike box fees on commercial flights.

  • Lodging. We provide a list of recommended lodging will be available, some with discounted group hotel rates w/link.

  • Meals,. nutrition (athlete & crew).

  • Rental cars, or shuttle package ($650). We provide guidance & discount codes.

  • Crew package, $1050 USD per person. Includes interisland travel, a crew swag bag w/3 shirts & hat or visor, meet & greet social, pre-race brunch, post race award dinner celebration, post race celebration brunch, ice chest/cooler.

  • Optional coffee table photo book, $550 USD

Qualifications

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. 

  • Must have completed multiple 70.3 distance races.

  • Must be able to complete each day in 9 hours.

  • Must be able to complete a 1.2 mile open water swim in approximately 1 hour (maximum time limit for swim is 1h:15m).

  • Should be comfortable on hilly bike courses.

Multi-day endurance and/or long distance triathlon experience is helpful. This can be actual races or done in training leading up. Here are a few examples:

  • Full ironman distance races

  • Multiday events 

  • Ultra marathons

For more details, check out our FAQ classic page.

Disclosures

Failure to timely make 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 typically with a $1000 administrative deferral fee, 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.