Runnin’ with Rani: Big Island event organizers looking forward to a brighter 2021

Take a deep breath, the New Year is finally here!

With the end of a long grueling chapter simply known as 2020, today is the beginning of a New Year inspiring a fresh start, a positive outlook, and many new goals to set. For many of our Big Island race directors and event organizers in the world of swim-bike-run, 2021 could not have come fast enough.

Coming from a year that has left us all paralyzed in so many different ways, there are even more reasons to keep moving forward, to put one foot in front of the other and work toward a bigger and brighter tomorrow.

From Kona to Hilo, I reached out to many of our sporting event directors across the island to ask them this question: In terms of Big Island sports, what are you hoping for and looking forward to in 2021? Here’s what they had to say:

Gerry Rott, Lavaman Triathlon race director

As the race director for the Lavaman Triathlon, I lose sleep on a regular basis worrying about the feasibility of being able to hold the race as scheduled on March 28, 2021. I know we are right on the cusp of when we might expect a break in the number of COVID cases and lifting of enough of the restrictions that we would still be able to hold the race.

Our race committee has been busy over the last few months, in making modifications to the Lavaman to make sure that it is as safe as possible for the athletes, volunteers, and their family members.

In addition to modifications recommended by USA Triathlon that have been shown to be effective in allowing races to take place on the mainland, we have cut the 2021 race in half in terms of participation. We are prepared to do pre-race testing if recommended at the time of both athletes and volunteers. We know we may be one of the first major Hawaii sporting events on the calendar for 2021, and we want to make sure we produce an event that can show that these events, can be safely produced without contributing to spikes in COVID-19 spread.

We know that events like the Lavaman have a positive impact on the local economy and also serve as large contributors to local non-profits as well as promoting healthy and active life-styles. We definitely want to see that these events can continue and hope that our state and county officials will work with us to help make this happen.

Peaman, Frozen Pea Productions event organizer

My very delusionary hope for 2021 is that we wake up on Jan. 1 and find out that 2020 was just one really long nightmare. If for some reason that doesn’t happen my goal is to bring back our Peaman Biathlon Series in a very safe and responsible manner.

I’m looking forward to getting all of our friends and family out for some good healthy racing, movement and exercise. Also hoping to be able to recruit some new volunteers to make our events more efficient and organized, since I tend to be a PEA brain at times!

Kym Kiser, (Tri)ptophan Turkey Day Triathlon and Dragon Hill Climb race director

I hope in 2021 we can get back to some feeling of normalcy in a safe way. Now my youngest daughter is four, I would love to get her involved in the Peaman events like we did with our older girls. I miss the family events so much. I know many train based on goals of a certain race and 2020 has changed everything.

As a race director, I believe many races may be delayed to later in the year for 2021 when it is safer for volunteers and the athletes. I feel so blessed we have virtual training app options that we can access during this pandemic, but I can’t wait till we can get back to real world training with friends and family.

Carl “Gecko” Koomoa, Team Mango Races event organizer

I am looking forward to adapting to the changes that we need to make. I know how important it is for the community to stay healthy, and I’m looking forward to getting people back out there to have some fun and be active.

I know how important it is for people to keep themselves healthy and immune systems strong — that is what Team Mango is all about! With Team Mango Events, I’m optimistic that we can get back and get things going. I know all of us race directors are chomping at the bit to get back soon.

Melissa Braswell, Wobble Gobble Runs event organizer

We are looking forward to events of any kind being able to return, but mostly our group runs. We miss seeing everyone on a regular basis and checking in on what they are training for. So of course, we also hope that all the regular races come back to give people something to train for!

Tom Solis, Hawaii Cycling Club event race director

At Hawaii Cycling Club, the Board is looking to returning to as normal a special event and race schedule as possible while adhering to the Covid-19 regulations. HCC events are designed to give all cyclists on the Big Island an opportunity to participate in unique cycling only events throughout the year, and being able to provide these events is our goal, especially when other events have been canceled.

We will use what we learned at the Big Island Time Trial Championships in planning for, and putting on 2021 events. We think with a little or maybe more than a little tweaking, we will be able to put on all of our annual events, based on current COVIC-19 requirements and the availability of volunteers.

Janet Higa-Miller, Xterra Hawaii Island, Hearts &Trails Runs, Lavaman Sunset 5K

While it is encouraging that COVID-19 vaccines are now rolling out, I believe that in 2021 race directors will still have to keep their finger on the pulse of what is happening with the pandemic. They need to assess and decide what is best for their event considering public safety and economic realities of holding an event while participants may be still be wary of traveling and racing in 2021.

I personally am taking this time to build a training and nutrition plan so I can be ready to participate if I am not on the volunteering side of any event happening safely in 2021. It is a little harder to get motivated since training alone is not as fun as with friends. But if Grant Miller slows down enough, I can try to keep catching him for the next few months!

Brent Imonen, Kona Marathon Events race director

Looking forward to getting back to some sort of normal. It’s been great to see so many new runners and walkers get active since last February when the community started adjusting for COVID-19.

In one way, it’s been just what the community needed, a reason to get out and exercise, and consequently I believe we’ll have a running boom in the near future. But before that happens, safety and the vaccine seem to be dictating travel, recreational sports, spending, health, permitting, etc.

Hawaii Island is incredibly unique in that our larger events count on a combination of local and out of state participants. We need both to put on quality events, cover expenses, etc. I am sure like the Kona Marathon, other events are planning for the best but aware of all the uncertainties that still lie ahead. I am hoping we can all stay healthy and move forward one step at a time.

Steve Borowski, Kings Swim race director

I think everyone is optimistically hoping for a better 2021. Social distancing plays such an important part of whether or not our races will be held. Most decisions for race directors must be made three to six months before the event. After 25 years I had to cancel my event. Let’s all continue to be positive and support each other.

Claudia Kane and Ted Spitaleri, LavaKids co-directors

“For me, we are hoping that with Islanders receiving vaccinations, it will allow for in-person LavaKids events at some point in 2021,” Kane said.

“Likewise, for other events that take place here on our island home, I believe we all would like to welcome people from around the world to participate in athletic events, but safety of our island kupuna, keiki and residents is paramount.”

Spitaleri added, “I miss being able to provide young adults with a healthy activity. I wish we could start up in January but realistically I see mid-2021.”

Joe Loschiavo, PATH race director

I’m optimistic about being able to hold our community-based events in 2021 using the safety protocols and guidelines that are necessary. Time and circumstances will guide us in making the decisions that are best for our community. Personally, I wish to say Mahalo to our Big Island ohana for their patience, understanding and incredible support of PATH and all our events. Wishing all, a healthy 2021 and Hau’oli makahiki hou!

Elliott Parsons, Run for the Dry Forest at Puuwaawaa race director

What I have missed most in 2020 with all the canceled and virtual events is the Big Island Sporting community. I have missed seeing and talking to volunteers, race organizers, friends, and participants, and I have missed the excitement that comes from participating in an event together – sharing stories, and talking with people I may see only once a year at a particular event.

Big Island sporting events are a way for me to connect with the community, watch the keiki grow up and become competitive, and mark the passage of time. What I am looking forward to most in 2021 is a return to these in-person community sporting events when it is safe and appropriate so that I can reconnect with everyone that I lost touch with in 2020! I miss everyone and hope that you all have a safe and happy new year!

Bob Wedeman, Big Island International Hilo Marathon race director

I think what is most important is for it to be safe to have live events again. We are not there yet but I hope that we will be by 2022. Here is your scoop. We are just about to announce the Big Island International Marathon will Be Virtual for 2021. Even if we are able to get permits, I don’t think it will be safe for all our volunteers in March. I think it is much better to wait so we all can get vaccinated and have this pandemic under control. I will try to keep runners motivated with Virtual Runs that they can find at Hilomarathon.org.

Rani and Penn Henderson, Jingle Bell Beach Run

We are optimistic that 2021 will return more Big Island sporting events back to the calendar in some modified way. With the COVID numbers on the island remaining at a relatively low level, we feel encouraged and optimistic that in the near future, in-person events can be done safely and allow participants a feeling of normalcy. While many uncertainties still linger, let’s take a moment to celebrate 2021!