As the Sunday before Christmas quickly approaches, residents and visitors from around the world are eagerly preparing their holiday themed costumes for what has grown into a yearly must-do event on the island.
It is the 11th Annual Jingle Bell Beach Run and hundreds will descend upon Coconut Grove Marketplace this Sunday to take part in the much anticipated family oriented 5K running event – one that is sure to kick off Christmas week with a bang!
Some run, some jog, and some walk – but everyone has lots of fun. It’s an event for the whole family to enjoy especially when one can choose from the 1-mile footrace and Santa’s Keiki Dash, there’s no better time to don your best Christmas ensemble and belt out a holiday cheer.
And back by popular demand is the competitive c0stume contest – a crowd favorite — with awards given out to the top three. One would never guess to find a rolling snowball, a 15-foot Christmas tree, or the longest human reindeer sleigh — at least in Kona’s history — parading down Alii Drive.
“It’s amazing to see how the event has grown into something truly special over the years,” said Kona’s Penn Henderson. “Seeing everyone enjoying themselves to the max is what it’s all about. Without a doubt, the holiday spirit is alive on Alii Drive.”
The popular 3.1-mile run/walk will start and finish at Coconut Grove Marketplace and offer participants an opportunity to traverse along historic Alii Drive – a scenic byway – taking in views of Kailua Bay, Kailua Village and the lush green scenery along the coastline.
For the fleet footed, a $100 prize is up for grabs to the top male or female that can break current race records set in 2013. Austria’s Thomas Vonach holds the men’s record in 16 minutes and 12 seconds, while two-time women’s champion Bridget Pyke of Canada owns the women’s time in 17:41.
Sunday’s 5K race will showcase an elite field made up of several of our State’s top athletes. The men’s division will witness two-time champion (2008, 2009), Luis De La Torre and 2013 runner up Billy Barnett of Volcano toeing the line. Both have collected multiple wins in various races this year, setting new records at just about every event.
Last year’s defending champion, Ziggy Bartholomy, will also be back along with local speedsters Cody Ranfranz and Mikey Brown.
In the women’s division, local professional triathlete Bree Wee will most likely be leading the way in an attempt to take home her first victory after finishing as the runner-up on three previous tries. Wee also comes fresh off an impressive 3:02:40 Honolulu marathon PR just five days ago.
And donations are still being accepted for this year’s charity recipients awarded to Family Support Hawaii’s Christmas for the Children program. The non-profit, community based organization helps children, whose parents are struggling to make ends meet, experience the joy of Christmas by making sure that each child has at least one present to open on Christmas day. In addition, five dollars from each hat sale goes to this charity up until race day.
So come on out to Coconut Grove Marketplace as all of the holiday fun will begin at 7:30 AM sharp on Sunday. On-line registration is still available today until 2 PM – $35 for the 5K and $15 for the 1-Mile.
Late registration, bib number and timing chip pick up is happening Saturday at Coconut Grove Marketplace from 9 AM till 3 PM. There will be no race day registration and the Santa’s Keiki Dash is free for children aged 6 years and under featuring a 100-yard and 200-yard race beginning at 8:30 AM. For more information visit www.kona5k.com.
Honolulu Marathon
In near perfect conditions for the 43rd edition of Sunday’s Honolulu Marathon, more than 22,000 runners gathered in front of Ala Moana Beach Park to take part in the epic 26.2-mile footrace.
Cool temperatures and a lack of typical gusty trade winds, made for improved times for both elite runners and Big Island athletes.
In nearly breaking the 11-year old course record, Kenya’s Filex Kiprotich maintained an average pace of 5 minutes and 2 seconds to win in a brilliant performance of 2:11:43 – just 31 seconds shy of beating Jimmy Muindi’s record.
On the women’s side, Joyce Chepkirui of Kenya lead from start to finish and was able to defend her title, winning in a time of 2:28:34.
Top Big Island honors went to Kealakekua’s David Wild, who improved upon his 2014 finish with his time of 2:54:55. Following Wild was Laupahoehoe’s Alan Ryan in 2:58:10, Jonathan Peralto of Hilo in 3:07:40, with Kailua-Kona’s Sal Salmi and Michael DeCarli rounding out the men’s top five with their times of 3:11:22 and 3:12:52 respectively.
Wee took top honors for the Big Island women and took advantage of the favorable conditions to set a new marathon PR at 3:02:40. Wee’s finish also placed her 10th among the women’s elite field, and 3rd Hawaii female finisher.
Kamuela’s Melanie Aiona finished strong with her time of 3:37:12, with the next three spots going to Hilo’s Sally Marrack in 3:40:26, Celeste Barcia in 3:56:11, and Lisa Hadway in 3:56:21.
Kailua-Kona’s Melissa Braswell also finished under the 4-hour mark just 11-months post baby with her time of 3:56:55.
Congratulations to all who finished Sunday’s Honolulu Marathon!
Coming Up:
Saturday: The Waverider Triathlon Club will host the “Swim, Santa, Swim” at the Kailua Pier. Start time for the 1500-meter swim is 7:30 AM and will also feature a 500-yard Keiki swim. To register, visit active.com. For more information email waveridertriathlonclub@gmail.com.
Sunday: Team Mango Races will host the Journey-2-LaLa Land hill climb race for cyclists and runners at Lako Street across from the Chevron Gas Station. Start time for the 17-mile quad buster is 8 AM for cyclists with runners given an earlier start time of 6 AM. For registration details and more information visit teammangoraces.com.
