Big Island International Marathon Weekend 2011

This past weekend, Hilo hosted one of the two marathons held on the Big Island each year. The Big Island International Marathon is in its 14th year and is put on by Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph. In addition to the marathon distance run, there is also a half marathon and 5k. Just like last year, Jason and his sister Erica were planning on running the marathon, while I was running the half. But that's nothing compared to the four individuals below, who have completed each of the 14 marathons and are still going strong!

DJ Blinn, David Hamnes, Marie Kuramoto, and Cowman (Photo courtesy of Marie Kuramoto)

Last year, we had a booth at the expo and were excited to set up there again this year. So for us, the planning started early last week (post-tsunami) as we tried to figure out what to take over to the expo. Last year's logistics were a little bit of a nightmare with the amount of shoes we tried to carry over, but we learned from that experience and were a lot smarter this year. We still took over about 8 models of shoes, but the packing was greatly improved, making the loading/unloading a much smoother process. We also had some fantastic helpers in Erica and her husband, Ryan. Unfortunately for them (and Jason), Jason caught the flu early last week and managed to pass it along to both of them. Not a real great trip to Hawaii when you get sick and still get put to work! But huge mahalos to both of them for all of their help!

After closing the store early on Friday afternoon, we headed over to Hilo in time to catch the carbo-loading dinner at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Although we had a table full of sick people, we really enjoyed the dinner and the hula entertainment. We also got to see several Hilo friends including Marie (the Queen) Kuramoto, DJ Blinn, Sharron Faff, and Israel Gonzales (even though we did not recognize him AT ALL without all his curly hair)! Many generous businesses donated door prizes to the event, and we were lucky to win zip line coupons, coffee, and one of Marie's famous yarn leis.

Saturday morning we had a little chance to sleep in, since the pouring rain in Hilo didn't make anyone want to go for a run. After breakfast, we started setting up the expo. It seemed like everyone was really excited to get their packet, because there was a huge crush of people right at noon when the doors opened. After a pretty intense first hour, things slowed down to a manageable level and we were able to have a very successful expo. This year we even had time to chat with some friends and customers who made the trip over from Kona. Thanks to everyone who supported our booth! We were amazed by the number of people who purchased "Run Big" shirts and then wore them in the race the next day!

On race morning, we were up nice and early and ready to head to the starting line in Pepeekeo. Jason and Erica were both feeling a little better that morning and decided to start the race to see how they felt. I had a little congestion, but was still ready to tackle the half marathon. My big concern for race day was how much rain we were going to have. As many people have heard, Hilo is a pretty rainy town. Last year we got lucky with just small showers that started after I had already finished the race. Combining that with the downpours we saw on Saturday, I just knew we were doomed for a wet race. But I actually shouldn't have been so worried - the weather was perfect (even better than last year)! It was cool and overcast, but there was no rain at all.

*To be honest, in over a year of racing in Hilo, I have never been to a race where it has rained, although I think Jason caught one rainy race. The weather over there has been perfect every time, which I think is one of Hilo's best kept secrets.

I chatted with some friends at the start line before it was time to take off. The half marathon and marathon start about 10 miles north of Hilo in Pepeekeo and follow the Old Highway/Scenic Road into town. Another thing that I forgot about this race was how much downhill is in the half marathon. I remembered the first 8 hilly miles, but honestly, there wasn't nearly as much uphill as I remembered from last year. And lots of great downhills! The scenery was also as beautiful as I remembered. I would highly recommend this half marathon to anyone who wants to run in Hawaii. (But make sure to get your registrations in early, because it will sell out!)

Last year, I finished this race in 1:46:01 (and those 1-2 seconds really bothered me for a year!). This year, my goal was to beat that time. As I came past the finish line for the first time, I knew that if I kept up my pace I would be able to do that. I got a little boost from seeing Jason, Erica and Ryan all cheering for me. (The flu took a lot more out of Jason and Erica than they thought, so both decided not to finish the race and risk getting sicker.) As I made the turn back to the finish line for the last time, I saw that I had a chance to get under 1:44. So I made a last big push, and I think this picture says it all:

Unfortunately, the picture is not official, because my official time in the results is 1:44:00. Oh, well. Next year.

Here are some other pictures of half marathon finishers:

Stewart Miyashiro

Lory Hunter

Maggie Leite

Scott Wiitala

Somehow we missed getting a picture of Peter Ballerini (and probably several others), but congratulations to all half marathon finishers! In the men's overall race, Scott Mitchell of London, England was first in 1:17:34, followed by the Big Island's Alan Ryan in 1:23:38, and Justin Pang of Keaau in 1:25:48. Here they are accepting their awards:

In the women's race, last year's winner Tammy Bautista of Honolulu took first in 1:35:49. Amy Masuyama of Hilo was second in 1:39:32 and (huge surprise) I ended up in third with my 1:44:00. That really took away the sting of that extra second!

In the marathon, Justin Gillette was able to make good on his stated goal of winning and breaking the course record with a time of 2:34:39. Last year's winner Billy Barnett was second with a great time of 2:39:57 and Yoichi Tada of Japan was third in 2:52:56. For the ladies, Traci Falbo of Charlestown, Indiana was first in 3:14:54. Robyn Debenedet of Hilo was second in 3:23:37, and Yoko Yamazawa of Japan was third in 3:26:53.

Congratulations to all of the marathon finishers, especially our Kona friends Chitwin (first marathon), Kevin (first marathon), Jolene, Cowman, Chris, and Joe and our Hilo friends, Marie, DJ, David, Steve, Sally, Lee and Richard, and Linden!

Ladies' marathon winner Traci Falbo

Chitwin San Tun

Sally Marrack

While the marathoners and half marathoners were coming in from Pepeekeo, the 5k was held along Bayfront Avenue and Banyan Drive. We missed seeing them finish, but caught up with Lisa Bryant and her daughter Marissa Bryant-Manago, who both finished second in their age groups. Below is a picture of Marissa (left) accepting her age group award. Congrats, ladies!

Overall in the 5k, Chris Gregory of Hilo won in a time of 19:08; Daniel Biehl of Fort Wayne, Indiana was second in 19:48; and Brian Yannutz of Hilo was close behind in third in 19:51. For the ladies, Kelsie Kobayashi of Hilo was first in 21:44; Mandy Cafmeyer of E. Wenatchee, Washington was second in 22:59; and Amanda Wolfe of Marion, Indiana was third in 23:36.

Congratulations to all of the finishers! Full results from all the races are here.

Mahalo to Big Dog for a fantastic race and a special mahalo to all of the volunteers who made it happen! We'll definitely be back next year!