Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Kapi`olani Park - Sunday, October 19th
"ALOHA HAS NO BOUNDARIES"
-Motto of the 2008 Race for the Cure
Near the end of 2007, one of our Ohana, Valerie, was diagnosed with cancer. As she went through treatment, the gang showed an outgrowth of support visiting her website and checking with her husband, Timm about progress. Through much challenges and tribulations, Val has successfully completed her treatments and returned to running regularly with the Ohana!
To celebrate her victory and return to running, as well as support those diagnosed and undergoing treatment, a good number of the Runners' HI gang signed up for this very inspirational race. Today however we didn't run just as an ohana but as Val's Ohana!!!
As we gathered up to meet up with Val, Timm, & George,
a quick observation of the area showed that this was not about a running race but rather a race to find a cure for cancer. Many participants wore shirts and signs dedicating the race to a loved one. Moreover there was little talk of people attempting to win the race or run hard (other than to put in a good workout). This was a celebration of life and supporting all affected by this disease.
As the race proceeded, we formed a loose group with a rather easy pace, though this soon broke up as people found their own individual groove to run at. The awesome spectacle I notice as I examined the droves of people making their way around the park were all of the different types of people and support groups! The Runners' HI singlets were in full effect with flecks of yellow, pink, and lime-green amongst the other runners. There was also a sighting of the 'Pink Energizer Bunny' in full Runners HI regalia (perhaps akin to the Red Rabbit?) though no real proof has been brought forth.At the finish, we all gathered to cheer Val as she crossed the finish
line! At the post-run ceremony, survivors were recognized and cheered for over twenty minutes! It is amazing how many lives this illness has touched but more importantly the awesome strength of these survivors! All in all, a spectular day to celebrate Val's victory over cancer and spend with the everyone!
Everyone, especially the survivors who ran, were winners! Though Maniacles came out of this event with an added bonus, winning the grand prize drawing of roundtrip tickets to any destination that American Airlines flies too!!! So what is he going to use them for??? Go to the Boston Marathon? Find an exotic marathon/ultra-run to do?
"I'm gonna take my wife on a nice vacation!" Okay, is this the real first Hawai`i Marathon Maniac speaking?!?!
In participating in this event, it shows not only what great friends we've become but also how much of a real Ohana we are!
Here's a few other pics taken during the event:
Pre-run pic with Frayed Laces & Brother Shaka!
Photographing runners while running....still working on the methodology!!!
Mahalos Volunteers!!! You folks were awesome!!!
It's the Flyin' Hawaiian...err, Habu-sama!!!!
Post-race smiles for Val! Congratulations!!!
Aloha all! Mahalos for being part of the best running Ohana!
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