Volcano Art Center Rain Forest Runs - 5K, 10K and Keiki Dashes

Whew, what a weekend! Between all the driving, the running and sightseeing, I'm exhausted. But it was a great weekend, capped off with two great races - the Volcano Art Center Rain Forest Runs on Saturday morning and Big Dog's Sports Hall of Fame 5K on Sunday morning. As I work my way through all the pictures, the weekend recap will have to be split into a couple of different posts. For this one, we'll focus on just the Rain Forest Runs' 5K, 10K and Keiki Dashes. We'll have a separate post on just the half marathon. Before getting too far into the post, Jason took tons of pictures of the runs that are posted here and here. Also, full race results are available at JTL Timing's website.

Apparently, one of the highlights of the Big Island racing calendar was the old Volcano runs, which used to be run around Kilauea Crater in the Volcanoes National Park. A couple of years ago those were suspended because of eruptions and general environmental issues. After not having a race last year, Kona Marathon race director Sharron Faff decided to bring back the Volcano runs in a new way. Instead of going through Volcanoes National Park, these runs were through Volcano Village, the majority on scenic Wright Road. The race distances consisted of a half marathon, 10K, 5K and the always popular Keiki Dashes.

Start of the 5K

The 5K and 10K distances started at Cooper Center in Volcano Village, headed out on Wright Road and did a couple of loops through Cymbidian Acres before heading back to the starting line. The course was rolling, with lots of ups and downs. But the major benefit was the shade and the perfect racing weather - cool with no rain! So although the course was tough and at elevation, times were actually pretty fast.

5K

Overall, Scott Hunter won with a time of 18:15, followed by Randall Jones (19:13) and Jackson Halford (19:15). For the ladies, Annie Murphy came in first at 21:12; Chanda Zavodny was second in 24:37; and Hart Miller was third in 25:06. Several of our running group members and friends participated in this race, with great results and several awards!

A keiki heads to the finish on the 5K.

Chenoa Jesser took second place in her age group with a time of 27:57.
Maria Jesser also finished second in her age group, with a time of 29:15.

Rose Lorica-Ombac heads to the finish.

Cherry Ward is all smiles as usual.

I don't know these ladies, but they look like they are having a great time!

Jill Weber shows off her turtle shirt.

Elin Walburn finishes strong.

Somehow we missed getting a picture of Marissa Bryant-Manago, but she finished in first place in her 9-13 age group! Congrats to all the 5K finishers.

10K

The 10K course was similar to the 5K course, with a little bit further to go on Wright Road and through the subdivision. At one point, the first four runners got off course and ended up coming in at around the 3.5-4 mile point, instead of completing the full course. Their times were adjusted for the error, and they still ended up as the winners. Rich McKenzie, Jeremy Moore and Jon Kunitake were the top three male finishers, while Heather Scarbrough, Jessica Kirkwood, and Stefy Matsumura were the top three female finishers.

Jeremy Moore is chasing down the lead male, with the first female right behind him. Jeremy ended up finishing second.

Jon Kunitake finished in fourth place.

Jenni Rhodes also completed the 10K - even faster than at the Kona Marathon 10K!

Although we missed getting a picture of him racing, Sean Jesser finished second in his age group.

As would be expected from a race put on by an art center, these races had amazing prizes, including art work, jewelry and dinner gift certificates. Unfortunately, we didn't win any awards, but Jon Kunitake graciously gave us the artwork that he won for our new house. Mahalo, Jon!

Keiki Dashes

After the big kids were finished with their races, the keiki got their chance to compete in a 100-yard or 200-yard dash, always a popular event for the kids. It's great to see all of them out there having a good time.

Congratulations to all of the 5K, 10K and Keiki Dash finishers! And thanks to all of the volunteers and sponsors for a great race morning!