EMS Run 2012

This year, the organizers of the EMS Run moved the race from Memorial Day weekend to the end of the summer, Sunday, July 29.  But the change in date certainly didn't hurt the turnout, as almost 800 people participated in one of the two events - over 400 in the 5k Run and just under 400 in the 2-mile walk!

As is typical in Hilo, the weather was raining off and on.  It actually made for a pleasant run, with the temperature staying a little cooler, although still humid.  After the race the sun came out and baked everything for a while before it was back to another downpour.

Several Kona runners made the trek over to Hilo for the race, with impressive results.  John Ferdico led the group with a 21:05, good for third place in his age group.  I was next with a 22:57, finishing first in my age group.  Chico wasn't far behind with a 23:17.   Cecilia Woodbury was just behind him with a 23:48, and Lopaka finished in 25:01 to take third in his age group.

John, me and Lopaka with our age group awards.

Overall, Chris Mosch took first place with a time of 17:30, followed by Hiromasa Veno in 17:51 and Nick Muragin in 18:11.  First for the ladies was Molly Schmelzle in 19:42.   A couple of Hilo High School students finished in second and third for the women, with Carmen Garson-Shumway taking second in 21:34 and Mehana Sabado-Halpern in third in 21:40.  Full results from the 5k are available here and results from the 2-mile walk are available here. 

One of the great things about this race is the number of door prizes that are given away.  By the time you're finished with the race, there are about 10 large board on easels with full lists of prizes and their winners.  After spending 15 minutes looking through them, I never saw my name, or John's or Chico's (making me a little suspicious that John didn't put our names in the right bucket!).  But Cecilia won a Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies gift certificate, so congrats to her! 

Cecilia and Lopaka

It was also great, as always to see some of our Hilo side friends.  Chico played photographer for the day, snapping some post-race photos.

DJ Blinn and Yuka Hagiwara

Lory and Stewart Hunter

Young running stars

DJ and Lopaka accepting their age group awards.

More winners with the race organizer.

We have a busy Sunday this week, with two events going on simultaneously.  First it's the Mana 10s - a 10k and 10-miler on Mana Road in Waimea sponsored by the Big Island Road Runners.  This race starts at 7:30 a.m. and is a beautiful run, with the potential to be a little rainy. 

In Kona, the Pedal Til Ya Puke and Run Til Ya Ralph start at 8:03 a.m. from the bottom of Kaloko Drive and cover the 6.5 mile climb to the top of Hualalai.  As the name suggests, you can either run or bike this event.  If the distance seems a little much for you, you can opt for the Papa Pea Pedal or Plod, which starts approximately 3 miles up Kaloko and climbs to the top.  But beware, it might be shorter, but it definitely covers the steepest part of the course. Finally, the Mad Dog Mile starts at the top of Kaloko and runs an out and back down the hill.

Both of these races are fun, different events, so we encourage you to come out and try one!