When they held the recent casting call for a movie slated to be shot on Kauai, I thought, what the heck.
Turned out, about 1,000 other people had the same thought.
It was a fun, festive crowd. Everyone was in a good mood, lots of laughs and smiles as we waited in line and hoped to see Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. But the star of “Rampage,” about to be released, was a no show, as was Emily Blunt, his co-star. Word has it filming could start in May.
Once we finally got inside and out of the rain, we filled out some information about ourselves and posed for a picture that could land us a coveted role of a movie extra.
One of the questions, not really a question, was to list your special skills. Examples were bartending, dancing, fishing and surfing.
I paused only briefly before writing the only thing that came to mind: Running.
When I turned in the sheet, a woman looked it over, looked at me, and asked, “Do you fish or surf?”
“No. I just run.”
I started to add I can bike and swim, too, and I’m good at cleaning houses and mowing lawns and recycling, but I could see I had already lost her interest.
She nodded, smiled politely, and said OK.
People say I’m crazy, but I like my odds of getting a callback. Really. There might be a scene where Dwayne and Emily are standing on some beach, or in a jungle, pondering their next move, and in the distance, you see a runner. That runner could be me. Maybe I could be chased and devoured by some horrible creature. I figure, certainly no one else just listed “running” as their special skill. So, think about it. The producer will be reviewing his list of required extras, and on that list is the unknown runner in the blurry background. Boom. They call the one guy who put down running as a skill.
Think I’m crazy? Look at all the box office smashes based on running: “Saint Ralph,” “Endurance,” “The Jericho Mile,” “Running Brave” and “Forrest Gump.”
See what I’m talking about? Runners are in demand in Hollywood. I’m sure more movies based entirely on running are in the works and I’ll be getting a call for those, too.
Yeah, they say I’m crazy, all right. Like a fox.
Fun runs
Speaking of running, you have two chances this weekend.
Start with one of the most scenic, spectacular places you could have a fun run and walk, the National Tropical Botanical Gardens.
The fourth annual Roots ‘n Shoots 5k is a fundraiser put on by the Kauai Marathon and National Tropical Botanical Gardens held on the tropical grounds of McBryde and Allerton Gardens.
If there is one fun run that is a must, this is it. Check-in at the NTBG South Shore Visitors Center parking lot starting at 6 a.m. and will be shuttled to the start of the 5k. The 3.1-mile event begins in the breadfruit grove and meanders through McBryde Garden exhibits, towering rainforest trees, swaying golden bamboo, tropical fruit trees, alongside the Lawai Stream and across a footbridge with a great ocean view. You’ll even pass the Moreton Bay Fig trees of Jurassic Park fame.
One piece of advice: Go slow, or just stop sometimes. Enjoy the moment of where you are.
Afterwards, enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast sponsored by Living Foods Gourmet Market and Cafe along with coffee provided by Kauai Coffee Company.
Oh, and please be prepared to spend money.
The event also includes a silent auction where the funds received will support The Kauai Marathon Youth Running Program, as well as other local nonprofits that annually benefit from The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon.
The cost is $50 per adult and $40 for students 16 years and under. Sign up at bit.ly/2Ip2hjB
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A new race on Sunday morning is the Jungle Run at Wai Koa Loop in Kilauea.
There’s a a 4.5 mile run/walk and a 1.7-mile student run/walk. Cost is $45 for adults (includes one Family Fun Day all day pass and one Jungle Run hat)/ $25 for students. Proceeds go to Kilauea School PTSA.
The longer race goes at 7:15, the shorter, 9:30.
The first 200 registered participants are guaranteed a free Anaina Hou Mini Golf Pass. And there will be awards for each division.
With all this rain lately, Wai Koa Loop is likely on the muddy side in places, which is how a true cross country race should be. So, come out, run, and support the Kilauea School’s fine staff and smart students. Info: kilaueajunglerun.com
Triathlon
Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands will hold a mini sprint triathlon on April 21.
The event will start at 8 a.m. Admission is free to active duty and their dependents. Others register at www.active.com. Cost is $10 per participant. Sign up deadline is today.
The event will have three water stations and EMTs present for the safety of all participants. Gifts and awards, too.
Info: Jerrick Fabro: 335-4983 or jerrick.fabro@navy.mil
Bones and joints
If running or triathlons are not your thing, you might want to try this one: Wilcox Health is hosting a free bone and joint open house and talk story about bone and joint conditions with members of its Wilcox Bone &Joint Center team, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. at the Wilcox Medical Center conference rooms.
Dr. Alyssa Carnegie will speak on conditions of the hand, including carpal tunnel, trigger finger, and hand arthritis at the“Healthier Bones for a Healthier Life” program.
Dr. Tyler Chihara will discuss conditions of the foot, including heel pain, and Dr. Daniel Judd will speak of total ankle replacement surgery.
But here’s hoping that after all that running, your feet and ankles don’t need the attention of Kauai’s doctors. Remember, not even movie extras can be hobbling on the silver screen.
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Bill Buley is editor-in-chief of The Garden Island. He can be reached at bbuley@thegardenisland.com
