Ironman competitor from Big Island finishes third in his age group during World Championship in Kona

Hawai‘i Island’s first local finisher at the Ironman World Championship in Kona on Saturday is no stranger to the 140.6-mile grueling course.

José Graca, 51, of Kailua-Kona, representing his native country of Brazil in the race, clocked in 9:20:07, according to the Ironman Tracker app, ranking him third for age group men 50-54.

This will be the second time in two years that Graca has captured a podium spot as he placed second in his age group during the 2024 men’s world championship race.

On Saturday, Graca was followed by Portugal’s Lino Barruncho, who followed him across the finish line by 19 seconds.

As he walked gingerly back toward the luau grounds of the hotel with volunteers on either side of him he was all smiles and said he felt “amazing.”

“The guy behind me was like two seconds behind,” he said. The last mile was neck and neck.”

He said he gave everything not to look behind him and just focus on crossing the finish line.

“I didn’t die!” he said jokingly.

Steffen Brocks was the second Kona resident to arrive, finishing the triathlon in 11:27:31. He placed 98th among the men’s 55-59 age group.

Keish Doi, 59, followed Brocks, crossing the finish line at 11:50:16, placing 121st out of the 242 in the men’s 55-59 age group.

Doi looked strong as he was escorted back by volunteers to the recovery area. He said the whole race is fun and challenging.

“I think the bike was windier than before,” Doi said, “and finishing this late, it also cools down a bit so that’s great.”

Overall, Doi said he had a great time and praised the volunteers and spectators.

“They really keep you going when you’re getting tired,” he said.

Between Brocks and Doi, 35-year-old Gudrun Hespel of Belgium finished the triathlon in 11:22:14. Aside from the normal Ironman towel and kukui nut lei each finisher receives, Hespel was also given an engagement ring when her boyfriend dropped to one knee and proposed.

This was Hespel’s first Ironman World Championship in Kona and the experience has meant everything to her.

While the finish line was a dream come true, Hespel said the 26.2-mile marathon into the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority at the Hawai‘i Ocean Science and Technology Park, two miles south of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, was challenging.

“There are no supporters, and the road feels like it never finishes,” she said.

Mark Loftin of Kona finished the race in 15:03:09.

Michael Pipta of Pāhoa is anticipated to finish after 11 p.m., according to the Ironman Tracker app.