Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawai`i
Aloha all! Been a while since the last post and have fallen a bit behind on things. Instead of trying to back track and cover all of the past few events, I'll get to the big event that took place this past weekend...the Volcano Marathon! As a 'reward' for her accomplishments - as you shall read below - I asked the former Marathon Maniac Groupie, Heather, to do a review on the race. However to just give a quick snipet on how things went, here's Maniacles' informative lowdown:
Aloha All!
The RunnersHI Ohana completed another successful neighbor island trek. Thirteen from our ohana enjoyed a weekend at Kilauea Military Camp, highlighted by successful Volcano marathons on Saturday. Marathoners included Ray, Shaka, Heather, Bob, WW2, Frayed Laces (FL), Jeff, WW1, Mark, Red Rabbit and myself. The trip was especially eventful as we were joined by Jim who lives in Mountain View (Hawaii) and Gary (Red Rabbit), who lives in Seattle and made the special trip to Hawaii for this run.
There was much concern leading into the weekend as many were concerned about the recent volcanic activity and subsequent elevated VOG alerts. Many runners avoided the this year's runs with concerns about the air quality. As it turned out, the winds blew to the southwest and the VOG was never a factor. The recent volcanic activity did force a course change which resulted in less off-road trail running. In my opinion, the course was much easier than past years when we ran onto the lava fields. Together with overcast skies and cooler than normal weather, today was an ideal day for the marathon.
Everyone has their own memorable story but a couple stand out as
highlights of the weekend. FL did not know she was the only one in our group doing the ten miler. With much prodding by Jeff and Mark, she reluctantly switched to the marathon (her second ever). After a conservative start, FL powered her way, passing many along the way, to the fourth place woman overall. That is until it was revealed that the first woman, Ariel M, was actually a guy thus pushing Laura to third overall. For her efforts, Laura received a beautiful colored glass vase with lid. Unfortunately, Ariel's switch to the male division bumped Jeff from AG 3rd to 4th.
Today was redemption day for Major Mark! With vivid memories of his serious injury in the lava fields last year, Mark won the Male Military division and received a handsome plate. You can view the complete results here.
The award ceremony concluded with the presentation of the HI3 medals. This award was presented to those runners who finished all three Big Island marathons this year. Naturally, many of us were recognized for this accomplishment. But it was quite a surprise when the top female with the best total combined time was announced. Heather was called up and awarded a HI3 Champion plaque! The spirits and camaraderie was high as our Ohana was joined by our many friends in the Hilo Ohana and the Judith Ohana (what are you guys called?) (Judith, Kat, Brenda, Ryan, Tomu, etc). ~maniacles
Here's the review from our HI3 Champ, Heather:
Running the outer island races with the Ohana is always a lot of fun. A mini vacation with a serious workout thrown in. This past weekend, eleven of us traveled to the Big Island for the wilderness runs organized by Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph and sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. A couple of the extended Ohana were able to join us. The 'Red Rabbit' came all the way from Washington State and Jim C. drove up from Mountainview.
This is the 26th year of the event and for a time there was a question as to whether we would be running this year. Recent volcanic activity meant that a large part of the route for both the 10 mile crater rim run and marathon were now bathed in sulphur fumes. Far from ideal running conditions. Fortunately, a new route for both was implemented and the show went on.
The morning of the race dawned wet and cool. Everyone stayed under cover for as long as possible in the hope of keeping their muscles warm. I was excited. This was my first attempt at the full marathon. The last couple of years I have completed the 10 miler and loved every minute of it. The fact that I never have any aches and pains at the end is always an added bonus. Encouraged by 'Da Man' Alfredo (we missed him this year) and the rest of the maniacs I was set for a new challenge.
This year the route was meant to be easier, more road and less trail.
Not the same, some said, but better than not running at all. I would definitely have liked more trail and less hill. I found the course to be tough but beautiful. I was lucky enough to have company for most of the run as Wily kept me going.
The new course went in the opposite direction from KMC. Past Volcano house, round by Thurston lava tube and down through a fern forest. The smell of ginger was amazing. That part was a challenge of alternating between ducking your head and jumping over fallen branches. Lucky I am short. I think Wily must have caught at least one branch.
Then we joined Chain of Craters Road and ran down onto Halina Pali Road. Then the fun stopped. Having descended about 1000 feet or so we then had to turn around and climb back up. Escape road was everything they had said and more. I could feel every rock underfoot and my legs were not loving the steady incline. The volunteers at the aid stations were great though and every now and then Jim would appear camera in hand so you just had to smile and have fun. It is nice to have pictures of us all running, thanks Jim.
123 people completed the marathon. The first in an amazing 3:20:55 with the last coming in 7:12:19. The Ohana completed another successful race. Our times are listed below. Mark, who came to grief in the lava fields last year, was triumphant winning the military division. There was some confusion over the third place male and female. When it was discovered that Ariel (wasn`t that the little mermaid?) was a guy, Jeff was shunted to fourth position and Laura was moved up to third female. Most importantly though, Les was healthy and happy at the finish without the need of an IV!
Congratulations to all the ohana. Great to see so many maniacs out there too. Thanks to the race organizers for keeping this race going. I am glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this tradition and to finally run all three Big Island marathons. Thanks also to Madam Pele for favourable weather conditions and for providing us with an amazing place to run.
Results for the Ohana:
David C. 40 - 49 Honolulu, HI 3:26:54
Jeff F. 30 – 39 Honolulu, HI 3:56:10
Shaka 40 – 49 Aiea, HI 4:07:12
Laura 'Frayed Laces' 20 – 29 Honolulu, HI 4:11:44
Ryan S. 30 - 39 Honolulu, HI 4:16:29
Major Mark 'da Rock' Military Wahiawa, HI 4:17:35
Brenda Y. 50 - 59 Honolulu, HI 4:18:03
Steve 'MM #1056' 50 - 59 Hilo, HI 4:22:00
Gary 'Red Rabbit' 50 – 59 Snohomish, WA 4:22:26
Maniacles Omura 50 – 59 Honolulu, HI 4:30:31
Wyatt 'WW1' 30 – 39 Honolulu, HI 4:37:29
Ray 50 – 59 Aiea, HI 4:55:42 78
Harvey N. 40 - 49 Hilo, HI 5:23:23
Judith I. 50 -59 Kailua, HI 5:27:59
Wild Bill 50 - 59 Hana, HI 4:56:08
Kat T. 30 - 39 Honolulu, HI 4:59:24
Greg Military Hilo, HI 5:08:56
Heather 30 – 39 Aiea, HI 5:16:10
Wily 'Coyote'/WW2 20 – 29 Pearl City, HI 5:16:10
Marie K. 60 - 69 Hilo, HI 5:54:01
Invincible 'Bob' 50 – 59 Kapolei, HI 7:11:06Much Mahalos to Jim C. for not only being our 'equipment manager ' and 'official photographer' but as always being such a great friend! Also much aloha to our Hilo 'clan' and the Marrs (RR & Sue) , enjoyed seeing all of you! Can't wait to see you all at the next one!
Will do another entry for Tinman and the Maunawili Out & Back 22-miler later this week!
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