The Big Island Running Company’s longstanding Thanksgiving tradition of kicking off the holiday with a fun, family-oriented running activity continued as they celebrated their 19th annual Wobble Gobble fun runs on November 23. The annual event has always been a great way to combine fitness and festivity in anticipation of the Thanksgiving feast later in the day.
For many, the Wobble Gobble fun runs have become an integral part of their Thanksgiving Day festivities, attracting a field of 130 enthusiastic runners and walkers to the Walua Road trailhead for the 8 a.m. start. Participants had the opportunity to engage in friendly competition across three distinct races: a brisk 1-mile sprint, a scenic 3.5-mile run, and a challenging 6.4-mile hilly course.
“We are very excited to bring back to the 19th annual Wobble Gobble this year,” said Melissa Braswell, the co-owner of Big Island Running Company and who organizes the event with her husband and daughter, Jason and Emily Braswell. “I know we missed a few years due to COVID but we were back last year, and back and better this year.”
What makes the Big Island Running Company’s Wobble Gobble fun runs even more special is their commitment to giving back to the community. One remarkable aspect of this cherished tradition is that the event is entirely free of charge, ensuring that the joy of participating in these runs are accessible to everyone. It reflects the Big Island Running Company’s deep-rooted dedication to promoting health and wellness within our close-knit running community.
“We like being able to provide it as a community service and a way for people to be healthy, gather and have fun,” Braswell said. “We are not looking to make money off of it, but more of a way to give back to the community in a way where there are no barriers to anyone who wants to participate.”
In addition to providing a free running event, the Wobble Gobble runs served as a platform to support a local charity with all donations and contributions benefiting the St. Michael’s Food Pantry — thus creating a meaningful opportunity to make an impact on families in need during the holiday season.
“Last year we had a pause in the food donations but we are very happy to be supporting St. Michael’s Food Pantry this year,” Braswell said. “They are very appreciative to get the extra food this season and we are happy to help.”
The morning started out fast and furious with Wolfi Henry and Leia Walters taking the overall spots in the 1-mile race with their times of 6 minutes and 30 seconds, and 7:52 respectively.
Last year’s 3.5-mile defending champions, Cameron Cornforth and Rani Henderson, once again claimed victory in the men and women’s divisions with their times of 21:36 and 26:05. Finally, in the 6.4-mile division, Kailua-Kona’s Daniel Friebel won in a fantastic time of 43:43, and Bree Wee claimed the women’s title in 44:06.
When asked what she felt most thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day, Braswell beamed a wide smile.
“We are very thankful for health and community, and the people who support us day-in and day-out around here. We could not have been able to do this without all of our great volunteers — many of whom are the same every year. They know things about this event that I don’t even know because they have been doing it so for so long. The Wobble Gobble runs are a great tradition that we really enjoy. It’s a way to see all the families and their kids as they come year after year, and get older and taller. It’s just a fun and healthy way to start Thanksgiving Day.