2022 Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon
2022 Hawai'i Bird Conservation Marathon
Results
The 2022 Bird Conservation Marathon on the Big Island of Hawaii was held on a beautiful and scenic course starting at the Volcano Golf Course and ending at the Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council in Hilo. This marathon has a total elevation drop of 3,792 feet on all paved roads, is a point to point course, Is USATF certified, and the people that put it on care.
The marathon began at 6:00a.m., cool conditions at 58 degrees and head lamps on all the runners due to the early morning darkness. Over 100 runners participated in the challenging downhill course of 26.2 miles, no doubt fueled by their passion for running and the desire to support the Honeycreeper a bird special to Hawai'i. The marathon featured breathtaking views of the island's natural beauty, including its volcanoes and lush forests. It was an unforgettable experience for all of the participants and a great way to support the important work of the conservatory.
The runners were experiencing a range of conditions as they made their way through the course. The sun had risen by the time they reached the 10K mark, which is approximately 6.2 miles into the race, and the runners may have been able to see the snow-capped Mauna Kea in the distance. It appears that the men lead by Jay Dela Cruz from Honolulu, just off a age division win at the Honolulu Marathon last Sunday in 2:53,was moving ahead quickly, while the women's leader Yuko Tanimura, Elizabeth Arnott-Hill from Chicago, IL, and Miyuki Munoz of Aiea, HI, were weaving in among them.
Dela Cruz and Tanimura were performing well and had established a significant lead over their competitors by the 10-mile point (16.1k) into the race. Dela Cruz had good form and was significantly ahead of the second and third-place runners that had changed, all on his own. Similarly, Tanimura pushed ahead of the other two podium competitors and was in a strong position to win the race, as she worked with a small pack of men. The temperature at this point in the race was 62, and getting warmer.
The top three men remained separated by a significant distance by 30K into the race. The second-place runner Yong Chuang Chen of Vancouver had a view of Dela Cruz and was in pursuit, while the third-place runner Tim Mosbacher was on his own while he was in view of the first woman Tanimura, who was working hard to maintain her lead. The second and third-place women had switched places, fallen back, and Emma Riley overtook Miyuki Munoz to secure third female, while Elizabeth Arnott-Hill of Chigcago, IL, maintained her second position, as the sun started to shine down on them, and the temperature was rising into the low 70's.
Nearing the end of the grueling downhill it was apparent that the pounding of the pavement had taken its toll on the majority of the field. The organization of this race is simple, easy to understand and consistant with chip timing/instant results, a sweet after party with top three overall, and top three age division prizes, and a really good time for all involved. Aloha & Happy Holidays to you and yours. See you in 2023!
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