The Hearts and Trails off-road running events at the beautiful Makani Golf Club did not disappoint Jan. 28 as it turned out to be just the celebration that women of all ages and fitness levels were waiting for.
From mothers with their young daughters, to female co-workers with friends, and newbies alongside elite trail runners — it was a gorgeous morning for all to embrace the spirit of camaraderie and feeling of unity as women joined forces celebrating one another.
Presented by Aloha Sports Kona through their non-profit organization, Aloha Tri Sports, the event offered two race distances — a 3-mile and 5-mile trail run — with a portion of entry fees benefitting the Puuwaawaa Dry Forest Reserve via charity partner, Ka Ahahui O Ka Nahelehele. The last time the event was held was in 2020.
“We are super excited about the turnout,” said Janet Higa-Miller, the race director and co-founder of Aloha Sport Kona and Aloha Tri Sports. “We had a sweetheart’s race in 2020 so I think the little earlier start (this year) people are not geared up and ready to race. But this was a nice way to ease in as everyone was super rusty coming back. It’s kind of a slow start, but the women who are here are so awesome and, it’s not raining! As you recall the last time we were here (in 2020) it was like a mud fest. But I think it will be a very beautiful day for the ladies.”
For Waikoloa’s Jessie Eskaran and her 10-year old daughter Lila, Saturday’s trail event provided a great opportunity for a mother-daughter bonding experience.
“I’ve done this run before but she has never done a community run so I thought this would be a good event for her since it’s just women and to help her ease into community running events,” Eskaran said. “The last time I’ve done this race was after just having a baby. I think this will be a good event for her.”
When asked how she felt prior to the start of the race, Lila said; “I feel good. I’m looking forward to finishing it. I will be running with my friends.”
In the 5-mile trail event and in the true spirit of celebrating women, Kailua-Kona’s Bree Wee and Sierra Ponthier decided to cross the finish line together in a winning time of 35 minutes and 4 seconds. Laura Yamasaki was next in 38:09, followed by Carleigh Rittel in 40:49.
Keauhou’s Rani Henderson won the 3-mile event in a time of 21:01, with Annabella Anthony and Abby Paterson taking silver and bronze with their times of 23:06 and 23:25 respectfully.
An interesting story ensued after second place finisher, 13-year old Annabella Anthony, crossed the finish line. At the inaugural Hearts and Trails event in 2019, Anthony who was then just 9-years of age, told her father (Josh Anthony) she wanted to compete in the event.
“It was our first year and a father said that his daughter really wanted to run the 5K,” recalled Higa-Miller. “But at the time, it was a challenge for us because she was underage (9-years). At the same time, being an all-women’s event, we couldn’t have a father competing with his daughter. We didn’t want questions from others (men) who also wanted to participate. So, we decided that he could run but his bib would say ‘escort.’ And as I understand it, she ran faster than he! Our hope was to get younger athletes out on off-road, but we also want them to be safe, so that was a good resolution to having a young person out and keeping her safe.”
Now, four years later, Anthony is well on her way to becoming one of the island’s top female distance runners.
“I did the (3-mile) in 2019 and I did really well,” Anthony smiled. “I’m trying to do as many races as I possibly can before high school just to get in shape and have the physical ability to do it. I did a lot better this year. Last time I got first place in the 19 and Under division and this year, I’m second place overall.”
Anthony added she is in the 7th grade at Parker Middle School and trains with the Parker High School girls cross country team. However, as a 13-year old she can’t quite compete with the team yet, but she is looking forward to competing in local running events.
“I like cross country but I also like riding horses,” Anthony said. “But I am a 5K person. I do track, but I’m not a sprinter. I’ve done other 5K’s like the Hilo International Marathon 5K and the Kona Marathon 5K.”
Higa-Miller hopes to get more women excited about off-road racing and to feature a co-ed trail running event sometime later in the year.
“I think this was a nice ease-in to the New Year and especially for the off-road. This will hopefully get more women excited about the off-road races as we don’t have many. I don’t want to make it too hard, or too muddy, or too much of the cow pies! A co-ed event will be happening, it’s in the works, but I can’t say when. It’s not here but will be at a venue soon to be announced.”