Local Ironman

Russ Burnett trains for his next triathlon. The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

After years of trying, and coming tantalizingly close last year, Burnett has fulfilled his goal of earning a berth in the Super Bowl of triathlons, the Ironman World Championship in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii in October.

Burnett, 62, who has been competing in triathlons since 1984, earned the opportunity to compete in Hawaii by finishing third in his age division at the Ford Ironman Coeur d’Alene in northern Idaho in June.

“That was a pretty awesome feeling,” Burnett said. “I’ve been dreaming about doing this for years since I started back in 1984.”

 A normal Ironman event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon.

He performed well enough in Idaho to compete in Hawaii in October. Submitted Photo

That meant Burnett earned the chance to compete.

It meant a lot to him, Burnett said, especially since he came so close in Idaho last year by placing second. At the time, he thought his chance had likely passed him by.

“Making it has always been in the back of my mind,” he said.

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Burnett said the event will have the most elite performers in his sport.

Most days, Burnett is running and biking, usually across the Oregon border, and swimming in local rivers to prepare himself for the intense competition, which is held in the hot and humid conditions of the Big Island. He plans to arrive in Hawaii a few weeks earlier to get acclimated.

Burnett said he loves getting the chance to see how well he can perform and whether has what it takes to finish all three grueling events.

“I like that I can push myself and see how far I can go,” he said.

Burnett said he would get bored doing just one event. Doing all three adds a bit of excitement and more of a challenge.

The Daily Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Burnett began competing in triathlons as a way to stay fit and healthy after being diagnosed with cancer that ultimately resulted in the loss of his left eye.

Burnett said while losing the eye took some adjustment at first, it has not affected his performance.

Burnett trains with several local triathlon participants. One of them is Mike Castagnola, who on many occasions bike rides with him.

Castagnola and his fellow  triathlon participants call Burnett “Steady Eddie” because he just goes out and quietly does what is needed, pushing himself to do well.

“He’s just so relentless,” Castagnola said. “He just pushes you to work harder. You have to go faster just to stay up with him and he’s nearly 20 years older than me. He’s just really amazing and is just a humble, hardworking guy.”

Burnett makes everyone around him better, Castagnola  said.

“It’s great that someone over 60 can still do this so well,” he said.

After the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii is completed, Burnett plans to take a break, both to restore his energy and his pocketbook.

In addition to travel expenses, competing around the country means paying entry fees, such as $450 to take part in the Idaho event and $550 for the ironman in Hawaii, he said.