Giving back in Life the secret to success – BIRR Big Dog 5K run/walk

Winston Churchill said “you make a living by what you get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Truer words can never be spoken as we reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving.

I’ve been blessed over the years with many friends and supporters and have never found myself short of money to buy food but there are those not so lucky.

That is why I‘ve been so honored to be the first ever recipient of the Big Island Road Runners Club Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk.

The BIRR was looking at a way to give back to the community by combining a joint effort to raise money or food for those less fortunate through the Salvation Army. Over 300 runners and walkers participated on Thanksgiving Day and were asked to bring a can good or to make a monetary donation.

Over $641 was raised and 6 large bins of canned goods went to the Salvation Army during this most critical time of the year.

Despite having Stage 4 terminal brain cancer I am regarded as fully functional and that in itself is indeed a blessing.

As I reflect on the many things I am thankful for I have to say I appreciate all the many people that care about me.

You see to be functional means I have my wits about me. It means I look forward to waking up every morning at 5 am.  I am still able to do my five to seven mile walk each day. I can prepare for what the future has in store for me.  For some people the end comes instantly, like an accident or a heart attack. For me, I know my time here is limited and I have started to plan for my final days.

I look forward to each day and prepare better for it.  I have a deeper enjoyment toward life.

Each day gives me hope and brings me a deeper appreciation for those things that I normally take for granted, like my loving wife and now care giver, Randee.

So I’m honored that the BIRR would make me a part of their Thanksgiving run/walk as well as making it a benefit for the Salvation Army as a means to raise money and food for those that have so little during this holiday season.

During the 3.1 mile race it was Hilo High’s Stephan Hunter coming in first overall for the men in 17 minutes 11 seconds with Waiakea’s Ian McQuate 1 second behind.

“The entire race we were exchanging the lead,” Hunter said.  “I had to put on a late kick with 100 meters to go to win the race.”

When asked what he was thankful for on this day Hunter said, I am thankful that my family is doing well and that my brother is coming home for the holiday.”

McQuate echoed Hunter’s sentiment and is thankful for his own family and friends.

Following in third place overall was Joe Barcia in a time of 17:55.

“I am thankful for family and friends and especially that my daughter got up early to come down and be a part of the wonderful event,” Barcia said.

In fourth overall was Sven Loeschengruber (17:58), fifth was St Joseph’s Andrew Langtry (18:06) according to Rick Otani timer for the BIRR event.

Dano Banks who was on hand to do the 2 mile walk with his wife Marti said “I am thankful for my friends, family and good health.”

For the women it was a pair of Hilo High girls taking first and second place. They also happen to be the best of friends, Carmen Garson Shumway in a time of 20:38 and Mehana Sabado-Halpern 10 seconds behind.

In third for the women was Heather Rosario (21:38) fourth Lory Hunter (21:52) fifth Eqberiela Benito (22:05).

Garson-Shumway noted that she came out to do this run in support of the Big Dog and so did Sabado-Halpern and for raising donations for a great cause the Salvation Army.

So on this typical liquid sunshine day in our hometown of Hilo many folks came out to enjoy a fun filled community event. They all shared the same sentiment of wanting to give back in record numbers to those less fortunate.

And someday should you see a very thankful walker/jogger come climbing up Shower Drive in the early morning hours remember to say “woof” and never shy away from “Running with the Big Dog.”

Advertisement

Inaugural Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Thanksgiving Day 5K Walk/Run

Big Island Road Runners the local affiliate of Road Runner Clubs of America announces if First Annual Wayne “Big Dog” Jospeh Thanksgiving Day 5K Walk/Run.   The Walk/Run will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 22.  The start and finish will be at the parking area of Moku Ola or Coconut Island off of Banyan Drive in Hilo.  The walk run starts at 7:30 am with on-site registration happening just prior to the event start. The event is free and all are welcome.  There is no cost for the event, however participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation for the Salvation Amry to help needy families during the upcoming holiday season.  On a day set aside to give thanks, the Big Island Road Runners want to bring the community out for  a healthy way to start the day while acknowledging the tremendous amount of extremely important service Wayne Joseph has gvien to the Big Island Comminuty.  As Vietnam Army Veteran, a long time teacher, cross country coach, executive director of the Big Island International Marathon, former Race Director of the Volcano Marathon, former president of the Big Island Road Runners, a leader in the HSTA retirees organization, former member of the County of Hawaii’s Ethics Commission, a long time sports wirter and columnist for the Hawaii Tribune Herald. 

Current President of the Big Island Road Runners Steve Pavao said, “Wayne has had such a tremendous impact on so many lives in our community, the thousands that have read his inspiring columns weekly, the hundreds of youth he has taught and coached, the thousands that have run in events he has coordinated.  He was a major influence in my life.  Reading his column inspired me to get active and make a  lifestyle change.  Wayne is a true hero and we honor him by giving thanks and giving back to our community.”

All walkers and runners are wlecome.  This is a walker friendly event.  People can bring strollers and pets as well.  There is no time limit and all are welcome.  Membership is not required for this event.  There will be no time limit.  There will be post run refreshments.  for inquiries call Steve Pavao at 430-0267

BIRR Inaugural Thanksgiving Day Big Dog walk/run planned

BIRR plans annual Big Dog walk/run

Inaugural event will be Thanksgiving Day in Hilo

Big Island Road Runners the local affiliate of Road Runner Clubs of America announces if First Annual Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph Thanksgiving Day 5K Walk/Run.   The Walk/Run will be held on Thanksgiving Day, November 22 starting at 7:30 am. 

The start and finish will be at the parking area of Moku Ola or Coconut Island off of Banyan Drive in Hilo.  The event is free and registration will be at the event just prior to the start.  There is no cost for the event, however participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or a monetary donation for the Salvation Army to help needy families during the upcoming holiday season. 

On a day set aside to give thanks, the Big Island Road Runners want to bring the community out for  a healthy way to start the day while acknowledging the tremendous amount of extremely important service Wayne Joseph has given to the Big Island Community.  As a former Army soldier and a Vietnam Veteran, a long time teacher, cross country coach, executive director of the Big Island International Marathon, former Race Director of the Volcano Marathon, former president of the Big Island Road Runners, a leader in the HSTA retirees organization, former member of the County of Hawaii’s Ethics Commission, a long time sports writer and columnist for the Hawaii Tribune Herald.

Related Link:  https://waynejoseph.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/veterans-day-5k-and-big-dogs-65th-birthday/