If you missed it the first time, no need to fret. Aloha Tri Sports is offering a second round of their popular Lavaman Sunset 5K Run/Walk as a virtual event.
“During these challenging COVID-19 impacted times, our mission at Aloha Tri Sports continues to be keeping our followers fit and active,” said Janet Higa-Miller, co-owner of Bike Works Kona, Bike Works Beach &Sports, Kona Sports Center, and Aloha Tri Sports, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “Virtual events allow participants all over the world to complete athletic challenges on their own schedule and wherever they can safely recreate. Also, some benefits of real-life competition can be achieved via virtual racing.”
Traditionally, the Lavaman Sunset 5K Run is held at sunset on the Friday before the Lavaman Waikoloa Olympic Distance Triathlon as a way to involve the whole family before the main event. Nearly 200 participants competed in last year’s race. However, this year’s race in April was canceled and turned into a virtual 5K event.
When asked what prompted her decision to do a Virtual Lavaman Sunset 5K Run now versus just before next year’s Lavaman triathlon event scheduled for March 28, 2021, Higa-Miller explained the importance of offering a fitness motivation amid a pandemic and especially after the Thanksgiving holiday.
“With the impact of COVID-19 cancelling so many events going-on ten months now, the struggles related to quarantine fatigue is setting in more and more,” Higa-Miller said. “The Thanksgiving holiday is now behind us and despite the trend toward not gathering for family feasts, we believe that the motivation to lose a few Turkey Day pounds and stay active might be taking a dip right about now.
“And with charities also hurting financially, we wanted to still be able to make a donation from the Lavaman Sunset Walk/Run for 2020 and designated LavaKids as our beneficiary. Registration for our virtual event is free, but donations can be made and we have a bit of ‘bling’ available for purchase of which a portion of the proceeds will go to LavaKids.”
Registration is free on Active.com and happening now till Sunday, Dec. 27. The 2020 Virtual Lavaman Sunset 5K Run/Walk is open to all ages and fitness levels and can be completed anywhere as long as it is done during this time frame. Participants may track their run with a GPS tracker such as Strava, Runkeeper, Garmin or any other device that allows one to upload evidence of their run.
Participants can also enter for a chance to win a weekly random prize drawing from local businesses and sponsors. All one needs to do is follow @bikeworks_hawaii on Facebook and Instagram, post a photo of your run/walk and tag @bikeworks_hawaii, and use hashtag #virtuallavamansunsetrun.
Anyone wanting to make a donation to LavaKids can do so under the Donation Tab. All donations sent to Aloha Tri Sports from this event will go toward supporting the LavaKids programs.
With virtual events becoming more of a norm these days, Higa-Miller finds there is an upside and a general appreciation from participants.
“Virtual events are not a complete substitute for live events and it takes a bit more to organize and motivate to do one on your own. On the upside you can participate anywhere, anytime and you can also do-over any result you feel you don’t want to submit — including your finish photo! So, in general, people appreciate the opportunity to participate and we find there is a lot of positive energy being shared.”
To register for this free event, type “Virtual Lavaman Sunset Run” in the search field of Active.com.