Running: Inaugural race brings out strong field in Kona

KAILUA-KONA — An accomplished field competed in the inaugural 100 Percent Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon on Saturday morning.

None were better than Volcano’s Billy Barnett, who took home the first coffee mug of the race, making his way down the final hill alone. He crossed the finish line in a time of 1 hour 17 minutes and 13 seconds.

Barnett was excited about his finish and running in a new race.

“It was fun and it was nice to have the ocean view. Luckily it started early so it wasn’t too hot,” Barnett said. “The competition was definitely motivation to run harder.”

Kealakekua’s David Wild (1:21:45) was second, followed by Kenneth Stover (1:22:25).

Kailua-Kona’s Kristen Old took first in the female division, finishing in a time of 1:37:20.

“I am not a very strong hill runner so those (hills) were very punishing,” Old said. “But the hills are what kept it interesting and the view made it a little less painful.”

Keauhou’s Rani Henderson, six weeks removed from the birth of her second child, finished second in the half marathon with a time of 1:41.11. Colorado runner Dawn King rounded out the female podium with a time of 1:42.46.