WAIMEA — One hundred and forty-four runners, walkers and friendly canines participated in the 6th Annual Bieni Kohler-Johnson 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk on Oct. 16 at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) cross-country course. The event’s purpose was to
WAIMEA — One hundred and forty-four runners, walkers and friendly canines participated in the 6th Annual Bieni Kohler-Johnson 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk on Oct. 16 at the Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) cross-country course. The event’s purpose was to raise awareness and financial support for breast cancer and ALS research.
The fundraiser brought in more than $8,000 for the Bieni Kohler-Johnson Memorial Scholarship at HPA, ALS Association Golden West Chapter and the North Hawaii Community Hospital Cancer Center. Bieni Kohler-Johnson, who graduated from HPA in 1983, passed after a valiant battle against breast cancer in 2009.
Top finishers in the divisions were Kanoa Blake, Braden Kojima and Cameron Stuart for the men’s category; Jamie Johnson, Sophia Johnson and Makana Blake in the women’s division; Daniel Cordova Genaro and “Mister” in the 5K Dog Walk; and Lisa Olivarez and “M” in the 2K Dog Walk category. The winner of the Doggie Video Contest was Rhonda Pollard.
Head of School Robert McKendry recognized Liz and Mark Noetzel, who founded the event soon after Kohler-Johnson’s passing and who have managed the event ever since. This year, 20 high school student volunteers played an important role in the event. Led by senior Taryn Bonham, they assisted with set-up and breakdown of the event, registration, and course management.
