Christmas events statewide are in full swing from parades, to festivals, and lighted Christmas displays. Here on the Big Island, the community can look forward to one of the most anticipated holiday running events of the year — Sunday’s 15th annual Jingle Bell Beach Run.
While the holiday season can certainly take on many different meanings, for hundreds of runners and walkers it has become downright tradition to take part in the annual Christmas themed 5K, 1-Mile and Santa’s Keiki Dash on the Sunday before Christmas.
Longtime runner and volunteer, LaVerne Curry, says it’s her favorite time of the year and just can’t wait for this race.
“The Jingle Bell Beach Run is one of my favorite races of the year,” Curry said. “I love that it brings out family, friends and athletes of all ages and abilities. It really kicks off the holiday season because it is so full of festive holiday spirit. Even if you are a Grinch, you have to smile when at the Jingle Bell Beach Run.
“My family and I have volunteered for many years. We love seeing our friends, we love meeting new people, and we love encouraging health and fitness. Rani and Penn organize a great team of helpers that make this race run smooth and is so much fun. My son, Brandon, and his friend, Hannah, look forward to helping the younger Keiki with the Santa’s Keiki Dash – I just love watching the younger generation race their little hearts out around the volleyball courts. We can’t wait for this race!”
It’s hard to believe that only 48 participants turned out for the inaugural race 15 years ago, as it is now the largest 5K community event on the Big Island. Keauhou’s Penn Henderson, who co-organizes the event with his wife, Rani (ahem me), said he anticipates a turnout of close to 1,000 participants.
“We would not be where we are today without the tremendous and on-going support from our local sponsors, an amazing group of dedicated volunteers, and several hundred ‘die-hard’ participants who return year after year,” Henderson said. “It’s always been and truly is, a reflection about what the Jingle Bell Beach Run represents – a wonderful community event in partnership with local businesses and volunteers emphasizing the holiday spirit of giving.”
The Christmas-themed 3.1-mile run/walk will start roadside at 7:30 a.m. in front of Coconut Grove Marketplace and head north toward the Kailua Pier while taking in views of Kailua Bay and the Historic Kailua Village. Participants will then make their first U-turn just before the Kailua Pier, and then proceed south toward the Sea Village before heading back to the finish line at Coconut Grove Marketplace.
And after a two-year logistical break, race organizers were pleased to announce the return of the 1-Mile event. Henderson said this event has been a popular choice for many over the years, especially for kids who are too old for the Santa’s Keiki Dash, yet not quite ready to tackle the 3.1-mile event.
The 1-Mile will begin at 8 a.m. and will head South – starting and finishing at Coconut Grove Marketplace.
While many will be enjoying the lush scenery and renowned coastal vistas of the 5K and 1-mile courses, a few will focus their efforts toward the competitive race for first.
This year, race organizers have decided to dangle a bigger carrot by increasing the prize money, offering a $200 prize to the top male and female that sets new race records.
Current race records belong to former Kailua-Kona resident, Matt Daniels, and Canada’s Bridget Pyke. Daniels set the men’s record in 2017 with a blistering time of 14 minutes and 56 seconds. While Pyke, a three-time women’s champion (2013, 2014, 2016), set the women’s race record in 2013 with her time of 17:41.
The excitement has long begun for the women’s race as Pyke returns to the start line along with defending champion, Brenda Avery and the 2017 women’s champion, Bree Brown. While the men’s race will definitely be more unpredictable as champions from the previous three years, Max Pedrotti, Matt Daniels and Billy Barnett have yet to sign up.
And don’t forget to stick around for the crowd pleasing, fun and competitive costume contest showcasing the most elaborate and creative holiday ensembles. Awards will be given out to the top three “best dressed.” In addition, prizes will also be awarded to the top three overall and age-group divisions in the 5K race.
But wait — there’s more! This year’s sponsors have outdone themselves with some amazing prizes for what has become an epic post-race raffle — zipline adventures, snorkel cruises, dining certificates, holiday gift cards and stockings for the keiki.
Charity recipients will once again be awarded to the Kiwanis Club of Kailua-Kona – a locally based non-profit organization that is involved with many youth programs and meaningful community activities – as well as Kids Matter with the West Hawaii Children’s Justice Center. Donations are still being accepted.
With the 15th Annual Jingle Bell Beach Run just around the corner, there is still time to register. Online registration and paper applications dropped off at Big Island Running Company will be accepted until 3 p.m. today.
Late registration, bib number and timing chip pick up is scheduled for Saturday at Coconut Grove Marketplace from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be no race day registration for the 5K or 1-Mile. The Santa’s Keiki Dash is free for children aged 6 years and under and will feature 50-yard, 100-yard and 200-yard races beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information visit www.kona5k.com.