EPIC565
5 – 70.3 distance triathlons | 5 Hawaiian Islands | 5 days
Monday - Friday, May 5-9, 2025
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 565 event was created for those who want to experience the magic of the EPIC5, but without the hallucination & sleep deprivation of the Classic, and at one third to half the cost. One to two people are ideal crew for this event, but for the well seasoned ultra endurance athlete, solo is doable.
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.
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.