As the third oldest and longest distance road race on the Big Island, Saturday’s Hilo To Volcano 50K Ultra Marathon &Relay Race once again attracted a competitive field from around the State to compete in the 26th edition of this
As the third oldest and longest distance road race on the Big Island, Saturday’s Hilo To Volcano 50K Ultra Marathon &Relay Race once again attracted a competitive field from around the State to compete in the 26th edition of this epic adventure.
The challenging 31.1-mile point-to-point foot race traversed from Hilo Bay’s historic Coconut Island and wound it’s way around the island on Highway 11, providing competitors with spectacular views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea as they ascended 4,000 feet in elevation to finish at Cooper Center in Volcano Village.
Aside from the physical demands of running virtually uphill the entire way, participants also had the unique opportunity to experience dramatic climate zone changes, and a chance to run next to open lava fields and lush rain forests of Big Island’s most active volcano, Kilauea.
With such beauty to behold, no wonder HTV has continued to be a popular hit among running enthusiasts including Big Island’s, Billy Barnett.
The 31-year-old Volcano resident, who teaches social studies and special education at Waiakea Intermediate, claimed his third HTV crown on Saturday, winning in a new course record of 3 hours, 46 minutes and 41 seconds.
A day after crossing the finish line, Barnett took some time to discuss his thoughts about the race, how he exceeded his own expectations, and what defines happiness for him.
Q: How many times have you competed in HTV, how many times have you won, and is this your best finishing time?
This was my third time (2009, 2013). I vowed I would never do it again after the first two. I also won the previous two but my time yesterday was the fastest by far.
Q: What made you decide to enter in Saturday’s HTV event? Was it a race that you’ve been targeting for awhile?
I decided to run the day before the race. I have had the bug to run a 100-miler this winter or spring but after looking at airfare, it’s just too expensive. So I figured why not run the races on island and find new ways to push myself.
Q: What did you do to prepare for it? And how did this distance compare to other ultra-marathons that you’ve competed in?
I had almost three weeks off from school for winter break so I had been running around 80 miles a week along with lifting weights, surfing and hiking. I like the 50K distance — Hilo to Volcano is all on road at a slight incline so it’s less impactful on the body and in some ways easier than trail runs. I sometimes crave the feeling of being exhausted and in a dark place mentally and physically and rising above. That’s why I want to run a 100 soon. It’s almost like a ceremonial rite of passage.
Q: How did you feel during the race? What were some challenges? What was most rewarding?
I felt great the whole day. This was the first time I had a plan. I didn’t want to run any faster than 7:20 pace per mile for the first 20 miles and I wanted to take in 300 calories an hour. I recently started wearing a watch and that has helped me regulate.
I ran the first five miles with Jared (Burris) before he took off. Halfway through, he was at least 10 minutes ahead. I had to restrain myself from trying to pick up the pace; I just ran an even pace until mile 20. When I hit 20, I started to run as hard as I could and in a few miles I was able to pass Jared.
It was rewarding to stick to a plan and see how well it paid off — I exceeded my own expectations. It makes me realize how stubborn I have been all of these years.
Q: With Jared Burris winning the recent Jingle Bell Beach Run 5K, are you enjoying the newly found and friendly competition?
We ran the first five miles together and talked a little. Jared is a humble and nice guy. He definitely pushed me to run my best. I think that’s the essence of competition, people bringing out the best in one another. He seems like someone who is not really concerned about competition — just content knowing he gave it his all. I can relate to that.
Q: When you are not running, what do you like to do for fun?
I love gardening, surfing, paddling, cooking, baking, reading, photography and spending time with family. I just try to find balance within all of the things I enjoy, that’s the definition of happiness for me.
