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Big Island International Marathon Recap
2014 was a year of changes for the Big Island International Marathon, as well as some weather-related challenges! The weekend kicked off on Saturday morning with the Health and Fitness Expo and the big topic of conversation was what the weather would be like for the race. With wind warnings and rain projected, everyone was stocking up on hats and Bodyglide. The weather didn't keep people away from the Carbo-Load dinner on Saturday night, though, as a packed ballroom got their pasta fill, watched some entertaining hula dancers and won some great prizes.
The wind whistled through the night, while race director Bob Wedemann made final preparations. He adjusted the courses this year so that all runners started from Bayfront instead of shuttling people out to a start in Pepeeko. The course ran north on the highway before venturing off onto the Old Scenic Road. At the start/finish line, the tents used for post-race refreshments and massage became a twisted mess, but the rain didn't start in full force until just after the gun went off for the half marathon. At some point the wind took the finish line banners down, too. But the runners still had smiles on their faces and got to see some amazing rainbows.
Big Island Running Company group members represented well with several top finishes in the half marathon - Brian Pruitt (3rd Overall), James Resor (1st in his AG), Ben Halpern (2nd in his AG), John Ferdico (3rd in his AG), Don Kirby (1st in his AG), Jon Kunitake (1st in his AG), and Sarah Nicola (2nd in her AG). Congratulations to all of the participants and mahalo to all of the volunteers who braved the weather to make it a first-class event!
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