KAILUA-KONA — The driving rain, pestering the island for the better part of a week, wasn’t a deterrent.
Folks just adjusted, or persevered.
Like Chris Costa, who dressed up for the 12th annual Jingle Bell Beach Run Sunday in nothing but a Christmas package around his midsection.
Rain be darned, the California visitor didn’t have second thoughts about jogging down Alii Drive in one of Hawaii Island’s most popular races with nothing but cardboard and wrapping paper.
“That’s why I waterproofed this thing the night before,” he said, tapping the cardboard. “Watching the Weather Channel.”
Not to be outdone, Elliott Parsons scuttled along the 5K course — which started and ended at Coconut Grove Marketplace downtown on the waterfront — wearing a gingerbread house. He wore cardboard, too, but in the form of shack that covered his whole torso and head, his face poking through a window cut out for just that.
And actually, it was bit trying, he said. Nothing too bad, but still, it required a bit of discipline.
“It was pretty difficult, it was a sauna in here,” he said of the carrying the house, an idea that came to him and Tina Flower when they were searching for costume ideas Saturday at Walmart and saw the gingerbread displays at the big box retailer.
They designed the costume so there were holes in the side of the box which Parsons put his arms though, allowing him to buoy it a bit off his head.
“It was pretty difficult,” he said. “It was a little bit of an arm workout, yeah, because you”re holding it up the whole time.”
Flowers, for her part, dressed every bit the Christmas cheer, including carrying a whipped cream can, just without the house. Their goal was really not to bump in to anyone clunkily along the course.
“I have the easy job,” Flowers said. “I have to give whipped cream to all the kids.”
The 7:30 a.m. Hawaii Sport Events race featured a 5K, and 1-mile run. The Santa’s Keiki Dash was canceled as pools formed in the sand of the volleyball court, which is where the race it typically held. Still, it was a record sign-up amount, as 909 registered, up from last year’s 847.
“I’m just so excited to see all these people come out, smiling with all their kids and everything,” said Rani Henderson, event organizer and avid runner who blitzed thought the course in 19 minutes 28 seconds, good for 13th overall and third female finisher.
There was never a doubt the race would take place, either, even though it’s never rained on race day before Sunday. Racers just have to suck it up every now and then. Like in Hilo, where they have rain all the time when they put on their popular marathon every year.
“I thought, if they can do it, we can do it,” she said.
Around 650 actually braved the conditions and took part. Most, keeping to the theme, wore costumes. Some not as clear cut as a gingerbread house or Christmas package.
“I’m an elf, who wants to be a sugar plumb fairy or a reindeer — a bit confused,” said Christine Woods, of Ocean View, who came to the race for the fifth straight year wearing seasonal leggings, a tutu, and wild sunglasses while carrying an umbrella.
Costume aside, it was a fun atmosphere to stay active and engaged with like-minded, friendly people, she said. Eight years ago, she was 150 pounds heavier than she is today. She started getting into shape when she was “55 and overweight,” and hasn’t looked back.
And rain, well, that won’t keep her away.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” she said.
