Surprises are the zest of life. And Jon Eggert Gudmundsson is about to provide some zest here in South Florida. Jon is a 50-year old Iceland native living in Cutler Bay who is about to do something extraordinary that will land him in the Guinness Book of World Records.
It’s not enough that Jon has both walked (2006) and cycled (2016) the perimeter of the entire country of his homeland of Iceland. Now, he’s planning to smash the current record by 1000 miles for the world’s longest triathlon (set in 2014 by Norma Bastidas).
Considering his age and body frame, you certainly wouldn’t expect him to start, let alone finish, this challenge. Yet, the moment you speak to Jon, it’s clear his spirit and energy will drive his success. Without any fanfare, Jon started his triathlon quest on February 9, 2018. He expects to finish in August.
Traditionally, a standard triathlon would be done with swimming first (1,500 m [1,650 yd]), then biking (40 km [24.9 mi]) and finally running (10 km [6.2 mi]). Jon’s plan is to run 810 miles first, then do 3800 cycling miles and finish with 120 miles of swimming in the pool at Palmetto Bay’s LA Fitness. His biking and running routes will be the same each day, taking him through Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay. You can look at his route and see the mileage rack up each day at tinyurl.com/triathlonjon.
To document his endurance feat, Jon must prove his mileage to the Guinness Book of World Records with satellite tracking and video. He looks a bit cyborg with a GoPro strapped to his forehead, but his laugh will tell you he’s all human. To that end, Jon has decided his triathlon record should do good for others. He is dedicating his efforts to Wheel Heroes, a non-profit who assists kids that are unable to ride bikes due to mental or physical disabilities by designing, custom-ordering and delivering bicycles for their needs <www.facebook.com/wheelheroes>.
“I hope that I can help raise funds and awareness for Wheel Heroes,” says Gudmundsson in a thick Icelandic accent. “That would be really awesome.”
Jon invites people or groups to join him on any day. You can keep up with his progress and ask to run, bike or swim alongside of him at www.facebook.com/jon.e.gudmundsson.
Bowl with Hurricanes Legends
Hurricanes great and University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame member Albert Bentley will serve as host of the UMSHoF’s 7th annual Celebrity Bowling Tournament, on Monday, February 26, from 6-9 p.m. at Splitsville in the Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami.
“I’m looking forward to hosting the upcoming UMSHoF Bowling tournament this year,” said Bentley, who scored the winning touchdown in the 1984 Orange Bowl game that secured Miami’s First National Championship. “It’s always a good thing to get together with Canes fans to support the Hall of Fame and the charities they contribute to.”
This year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Heidi Hewes Chapter of the Women’s Cancer Association at the University of Miami.
Canes fans can bowl with some of their favorite former Canes all-stars in a relaxing evening of family fun, food and Hurricanes camaraderie. Other Hurricane greats who have attended past bowling tournaments include Reggie Wayne, Charles Johnson, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Bubba Franks, Brett Romberg, KC Jones, Randal Hill, Eric Brown, Tracy Kerdyk, Darrin Smith and Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta.
Teams start at $500 for four bowlers, regular sponsor lanes are $1200 and premium sponsor lanes are $1700. Individual bowlers are $150 each. Social tickets can be purchased for $75 for adults (T-shirt included) and $25 for children under 12.
For more information on teams and sponsorships, go to CanesBowling.com or contact UMSHoF Executive Director John Routh at 305-284-2775.
14th Annual Poker Tournament
On Super Bowl Sunday, some special students from Palmetto High School put on the 14th annual poker tournament to support people with disabilities. The event drew well over 100 participants.
Hosted at Congregation Bet Shira, the 3-hour Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament included food and drink, raffles and lots of good conversation. Through the $20 entry fee and other donations, the event raised more than $5800. Players and volunteers also received five hours of community service credits.
The Poker Tournament benefits The Advocacy Network on Disabilities, formerly known as CCDH. <www.advocacynetwork.org>. Since 1975, the Advocacy Network has been Miami-Dade’s lead agency that coordinates and arranges services for individuals with developmental and other disabilities.
If you were not able to make it but would still like to donate, please go to www.anodpokertournament.myevent.com where you can find out how.
Real Estate Update
As of February 11, the Pinecrest market remains soft. Homes listed over $1M are at nearly 13 months of inventory, indicating a strong Buyers’ market. A healthy market has 3-6 months of supply. No matter where you live, let me assist you with local expertise, realistic expectations and guidance to get you to wherever ‘next’ is. It’s easy to get started at miamihal.com/myvalue.
Hal Feldman (MiamiHal) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. You can contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
