Ten kilometers of swimming and 145 kilometers of biking on Day 1, followed by another 276 kilometers on the bike during Day 2, and capped off with an 84-kilometer double marathon on Day 3 – these brutal distances once again defined the Ultraman World Championship. This year’s edition, held on Kona’s punishing terrain and in its trademark heat, produced two standout champions: Russia’s Max Kniazev and the United States’ Kenna Supkis.
Kniazev delivered a blistering performance, clocking 21:27:36, the second-fastest time in Ultraman history. A familiar force in the ultra scene, the Russian athlete has an extraordinary backstory as well – he lives and trains in the United States and is known for having a Ukrainian partner, a detail that has drawn attention in recent years. After breaking the Ultraman world record in 2023, Kniazev returned to Kona with confidence, and the race quickly became a one-man show. Spain’s Juan Bautista Castilla finished more than two hours back, while Japan’s Terumasa Matsuda claimed third, 2:27 behind the champion.
The women’s race, however, offered far more suspense. Kenna Supkis secured the world title in 29:24:25, holding off Anna Gallardo, who crossed the line just 19 minutes later. Third place went to Jennifer Uy, nearly five hours behind the winner – but with a historic footnote of her own: she became the first Filipino athlete ever to finish the Ultraman World Championship.