Big Dog’s New Years Day 5K BIG Success

Race Start 1-1-11

Happy New Year!

Hoping this New Year brings the belief that all things are possible in achieving our health and fitness goals.

New Year’s Day saw a large group of eager and excited people assembled at the Coconut Island parking area to start 2011 by doing a 3.1 mile run or walk.

People of varying ages and abilities were making a commitment to themselves to make the New Year a new beginning in their quest to be physically fit.

Many people brought their entire family to start off the New Year for the purpose of having a head start on becoming healthy and fit and to take better care of themselves.

Leona, Nai’a, Kalen & Harlen Fragas

The Fragas family, Leona, Nai’a, Kalen and Harlen were on hand wanting to join like minded people on this first day of the New Year.

“We always are walking around as a family,” patriarch Harlan Fragas said.  “We saw the article about this event in the newspaper and wanted to try something different and to do it together, as a family.”

The Heaukulani family and friends were also among the many folks that joined in for the 3.1 mile event.

“This is a great way to make the start of the New Year even better,” Hilo attorney and soccer coach Charles Heaukulani said.  “I’m hoping I can run a couple more marathons and expand what I do to cross train and get the awesome Hilo Soccer Girls committed to year round fitness.”

Heaukulani family and friends

During the race it was it was the owners of the Big Island Running Company in Kona, Jason and Melissa Braswell, showing the 200 participants why they are experts in the running shoe business.

Jason Braswell ran away from the entire field, leading from start to finish, to win in 17 minutes and 18 seconds, while wife Melissa finished 11^th overall and second amongst the women.

“We will find any excuse to come over to Hilo,” Melissa Braswell said.  “This is a great way to start the New Year and it was great that the race started at 9 am which gave us time to drive over this morning.”

Melissa’s goal for 2011 is to run her first marathon in Honolulu in December and Jason’s is to be able to just keep doing what he’s doing and help his wife in accomplishing her marathon dream.

The first place woman, Kim Pierce, separated herself from Braswell in the first half mile and never looked back clocking in at 21:30 and finishing eighth overall.

“Some girlfriends told me about this race and I thought this would be a great way to kick off the New Year,” Pierce said.  “I’m hoping I can run more and surf more in 2011.”

The main reason for the Big Dog in organizing this event wasn’t to showcase those in the lead but to provide a fun venue for all, novice and speedsters alike, in kicking off the New Year in a healthy and fit way.

Gary Kaku, registrar for Hilo Intermediate School, was on hand to do the 3.1 mile walk and his reason for coming was to improve on his health.

“My resolution is to take better care and treatment for my diabetes by walking more and watching my weight,” Kaku said.

Many people were on hand just like Gary Kaku who do not consider themselves athletes, but wanted to participate to get a jump start on making 2011 the best for their own personal fitness levels.

J. Kamelamela

County Corporation Deputy Counsel, Joseph Kamelamela and his wife, were also on hand to enjoy the fitness event.

“I encouraged a bunch of our friends to come out and start the New Year as we wanted to enjoy 1-1-11,” he said.  “It is such a beautiful morning and a great way to start any day.”

Kamelamela makes the same resolution each year, “Work hard and play hard,” he said.

For the Big Dog it was a great way to celebrate any occasion with a large group of friends and acquaintances doing what are important in our lives, exercising for health and fitness.

For those that are wondering, the Big Dog did not succeed in running the entire 3.1 mile distance as I needed to walk a little upon reaching the 2 mile mark.  On Feb. 6 the Big Dog will host the Lover’s 5K run/walk and will attempt once again to jog the entire distance.

State House Representative, Jerry Chang, read a Certificate of Appreciation to all the volunteers and participants in the Big Dog New Year’s Day 5K run/walk that Mayor Billy Kenoi provided.  The mayor wrote, “…There is no better time than the start of the New Year to rededicate ourselves to being more fit for the rigors of our daily lives. Best wishes to all for a good, safe run today and may it be the first of many that will lead to a Happy and Healthy New Year for 2011.”

Mahalo to the loyal and dedicated group of volunteers and sponsors that continue to support Big Dog Productions and help with promoting health and fitness on Hawaii Island.

Related Links:  https://waynejoseph.wordpress.com/2011/01/02/photos-from-big-dogs-new-years-day-resolution-5k/

https://waynejoseph.wordpress.com/2011/01/01/big-dogs-new-years-day-5k-attracts-200-participants/

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