KOHALA COAST — The statistics of Big Island households who face food insecurity are sobering. According to a 2023 study by the Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii Island is hit the hardest with 40% of households reporting food insecurity, meaning these families did not know where their next meal would come from. Statewide, food insecurity is at 30%.
Saturday’s 7th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Keiki Dash helped to answer the Hawaii Foodbank’s call for help. Held at the beautiful Plantation Estate at the Fairmont Orchid, more than 200 participants took to the scenic 3.1-mile run/walk for a healthy way to support a meaningful cause. As in years past, all proceeds generated from the event benefitthe Hawaii Island Food Bank, The Food Basket, whose mission is to end hunger on the BigIsland.
“We are very excited this year as we are up by 29%,” said Celeste Tremblay, who is the Director of Catering and Conference Services for Fairmont Orchid and race director. Last year we had 181 participants and this year we have 234 runners. We hope the momentum keeps going. (Statistically) We are actually the worst of all islands and so this is a really great cause because we are so proud to be able to work with the other sponsors to support this event.”
The Turkey Trot 5K showcased impressive performances with Kealakehe High School senior and cross-country standout, Archer Ankrum, taking the overall win in a blazing time of 17 minutes and 21 seconds. Ankrum has been on fire over the last few months as he also won the overall titles at Pu‘uwa‘awa‘a Run for the Dry Forest and set a new course record at the 100% Pure Kona Coffee 5K.
Close behind was recent Ironman World Championship finisher, Daniel Hill, who secured second place with a strong finish of 18:14. Felix Snyder from Portland, Oregon, rounded out the men’s top three with a solid 19:00.
On the women’s side, recent 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon women’s winner, Laura Ankrum, led the pack to victory and crossed the finish line in 20:18. Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s cross-country runner, Naomi Demille, and Stephanie Peters from Bend, Oregon, battled it out for the remaining podium spots. Demille and Peters finished just seconds apart with times of 21:56 and 21:58, respectively.
Tremblay anticipates another bump in numbers for next year’s Turkey Trot on November 22, 2025.
“I think a lot of it is getting the word out through formats such as social media and just word of mouth. We also target our visitors that come to the island and encourage them to participate in this event while on vacation. All the proceeds go to the Hawaii Island Food Basket.”