The Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club’s 39th Annual Mac-A-Thon held Saturday was a hit as 250 participants toed the line for the 10K and 5K footraces.
The Mac-A-Thon is Hawaii Island’s oldest running event traditionally held on Easter Eve near the pristine waters of Honaunau Bay. The event dates back to 1982 when Rafael Ramirez, president of the small South Kona canoe club, conceived the idea of organizing a fun run at the start of paddling season to help raise funds while keeping their paddlers in shape.
After a successful first race, the Mac-A-Thon continued to thrive over the years with its popularity becoming an annual multi-generational family tradition spanning nearly four decades.
For many, the highlight of running the 6.2-mile or 3.1-mile courses along the Old Government Road extending from Honaunau Bay to Napoopoo and back, comes shortly after crossing the finish line. The savory post-race macadamia nut pancake breakfast, live entertainment, silent auction and award ceremony is enough to get anyone out of bed for the brisk 7 a.m. race start.
The race is also known to attract some of the fastest runners on the island, and Saturday’s Mac-A-Thon did not disappoint.
In the longer 10K event, all eyes were on Kailua-Kona’s Patrick Stover, Jantzen Hing, and recent Hilo Marathon winner, David Collier, as the trio have been topping the podium over the last few months.
Stover, a previous winner of the 10K and who recently placed 10th overall in the prestigious Hapalua Half Marathon “Chase Race,” used his experience to gain just the edge needed to outsprint Collier to the finish line.
Stover won in a speedy time of 36 minutes and 25 seconds, with Collier hot on his heels to finish a few strides back in 36:31. Hing, who participated in triathlons with the Kealakehe Triathlon Club a few years ago and now a podium threat at running events, placed third overall with his time of 38:19.
The women’s race turned out equally exciting with Stacy Schlocker edging out Vicki Hunter by 8-seconds for the win. Schlocker finished first with a fantastic time of 45:26, with Hunter in second place at 45:34, and Morgan McCloskey rounding out the women’s top three with her time of 47:16.
In the shorter 5K race, Fasil Bizuneh sailed to victory with his swift time of 17:06. Legendary Volcano runner, Lyman Perry, was next in 19:36, with Michael Sthreshley in third with his time of 22:02.
12-year old swimming phenom, Blair Oka, claimed the women’s overall title with an impressive time of 22:38. Not too far back in second place was Kahakai Elementary School kindergarten teacher, Maureen Neville, who finished in a great time of 24:43. Melina Ramirez ran well to secure the third podium spot in 26:59.
With the Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club celebrating 39years of family traditions, history and Hawaiian culture, be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s event as the Mac-A-Thon celebrates 40-years on April 8, 2023!