Run for Hops 5k/10k

Saturday morning over 500 people gathered for one of the biggest 5k/10k races on the island - the Run for Hops.  This is the fifth year of the event that is held in connection with the Kona Brewer's Festival.  For the first four years, the event was held at the Kona Brewing Company, but as the race and the brewfest got larger, they had to find a new space to host.  So this year the start and finish line moved to BMW Hawaii, which had a great location for a fun race.  Not to worry, though, the beer kegs moved as well, so runners were treated to a frosty Kona Brew after the run.

The morning started off with the 10k runners, who made a loop into Old Airport before heading out towards the highway with a loop through old Industrial.  This is not an easy course, but Sam Corace made it look like one, coming in first in 36:45. Paul Needham from Vancouver, BC was second in 39:33, followed by Joel Anhalt of Arcadia, MI in 39:49.

Rick Vidgen

For the women, Brooke Myers took first overall in 43:42. Jeni Winegarner was second in 44:02 and Chelsea McKenzie was third in 44:34.  Although this race brings in a lot of mainland runners, the top three women in the 10k are all from West Hawaii!

Race to the finish!

The 5k race started about 10 minutes after the 10k and made one loop through Old Airport before heading back to the finish line.  This race was filled with both fast runners and families.  Levi Thomet of Kodiak, AK was the first runner to cross the finish line in 17:01, although he pulled up a little short a first, so would have definitely come in under 17 minutes without that slip-up! Justin Butler (18:26) from Kona and Ziggy Bartholomy (19:36) from Hawi were the second and third place finishers.

An Oka family!

The ladies' 5k was won by Mellissa Davidson of Hanscom Air Force Base, MA in 22:08.  Vickie Zeman of Hartland, WI was second in 23:55 and Shauna Turner of Honolulu was third in 24:21.

Full results from both races are available here. 

Kellie Kurashige and Titan

After the race, the real fun began, with post-race refreshments, beer and awards.  Thanks to Chico Barrios for catching some of the action for us! More pictures are available here.

Congratulations to everyone who ran the race and thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out for a fun morning!

Up this weekend is the Big Island International Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k in Hilo.  For those in Kona, there is also a 5k Leprechaun-a-Thon and Sham-Walk hosted by the Waverider Tri Club.  We hope you can make it to one of those events!