KAILUA-KONA — The Old Airport State Recreation Area was a beehive of activity on Saturday, as sports enthusiasts took part in an abundance of athletic events.
From the popular Run for Hops 10K and 5K running events, to the Junior Age Group Swimming Championships, to the fiercely contested Hawaii Youth Soccer Association league games, and even a Marshallese community softball tournament, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the festivities on Saturday morning was the highly anticipated Kona Brewers Festival Run for Hops held at the BMW of Hawaii dealership, which commenced with both a 10K and 5K race. Over 350 eager runners and walkers took to the starting line fronting the dealership, then headed north toward the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area runway strip.
Once on the runway strip, competitors navigated the race terrain made of old crumbling and cracked pavement strewn with rock debris, before running through the Makaeo Walking Path. From there it was onto Makala Blvd, then to Luhia Street before a final turn on Loloku Street to finish at the BMW of Hawaii Dealership. Athletes in the 5K completed one-loop, while the 10K race continued on for a double loop.
In an exciting race of speed, San Francisco’s Joseph Skurski emerged victorious in the 10K event, clocking in at an impressive time of 36 minutes and 1 second. Kailua-Kona’s Daniel Friebel followed to secure the second spot with a commendable time of 37:31, while Hilo’s Keegan Pacchioni claimed the third to cross the finish line in 39:41.
Meanwhile in the women’s division, Holualoa’s Laura Ankrum had a phenomenal performance, clinching the top spot in a remarkable time of 39:47. The next two female podium spots turned out to be a tie with both Kailua-Kona’s Melissa DellaTorre and Bree Wee finishing in a fantastic time of 41:07.
The excitement carried over to the 5K race, where Kailua-Kona’s Jantzen Hing once again showcased his prowess, dominating the field with a lightning-fast time of 16:45. Daniel Hill of Waikoloa to secure the second position with his time of 17:40, while Conor Forsythe rounded out the men’s podium with his time of 19:36.
On the women’s front, it turned out to be a fiercely contested battle among the top three with Pahoa’s Summer Corke taking the overall win with her time of 21:18. Kailua-Kona’s Laura Yamasaki finished a few strides back in 21:23, with Pam Szkutak from Boston, Massachusetts rounding out the top three with her time of 21:35.
Attention shifted to the sparkling waters of the Kona Community Aquatics Center swimming pool, where the two-day Junior Age Group State (JAGS) swimming championships were in full swing. Swimmers spanning various youth age groups from across the state showcased their prowess in a series of individual and relay races.
Simultaneously, the HYSA age-group soccer games ignited the fire among youth athletes from across the Big Island, where teams ranging in age groups from U8 to U14 exhibited their talents on the grassy pitch of the Old Airport soccer fields. Meanwhile, cheering spectators could be heard from the Old Airport baseball field as the Marshallese community softball league took center stage.
With numerous outdoor sporting events for both participants and spectators, Saturday certainly turned out to be a memorable experience for all.
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COMING UP
Sunday: The 27th Annual Big Island International Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K &5K running events will kick off at the Hilo Bayfront Area. Start time is 6 AM for the marathon, 6:15 AM for the Half, 6:30 AM for the 5K, 7 AM for the 10K, and 7:05 AM for the 2-mile walk. For a full schedule of events, registration details, and entry fees visit www.runsignup.com and then search for Big Island International Marathon.