KAPA‘A — More than 900 people took advantage of clear conditions Saturday to enjoy the free Mayor-a-thon at Kapa‘a Beach Park. Jim Jung could not help but reflect on the days of the King Kong Ultra when triathletes would swim
KAPA‘A — More than 900 people took advantage of clear conditions Saturday to enjoy the free Mayor-a-thon at Kapa‘a Beach Park.
Jim Jung could not help but reflect on the days of the King Kong Ultra when triathletes would swim Hanalei Bay, bike to Waimea and back to Wailua before the run through the Powerline Trail. As a noteworthy aside, Jung was recently awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Commandant’s Award for Outstanding Operation Performance in Support of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Mayor-a-thon participants, on the other hand, had their pick of a 1-, 2-, 4-, 6- or 8-mile walk, bike or run.
Cathy Simao of the mayor’s office said her son was the victim of a recent house fire. While still grieving, she took advantage of the Mayor-a-thon to run an 8-mile course with his son, home from Kamehameha Schools.
Vivien Colcol, 4, of ‘Ele‘ele had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to make the event in Kapa‘a, but the effort was worth it as the youngster, portraying Pocahontas riding her horse, topped the Best Decorated Bicycle contest. Kanoe Gonzales and Kalei Gonzales filled in the second and third places of that contest.
“We worked hard,” said Kaua‘i County Council member Nadine Nakamura. “We came home from the bon dance Friday night and started to work on decorating the bicycle.”
Heads turned when Carlton Ito and his family appeared with a large pineapple under the sea. In it, Tai Ito-Fernandez, 1, was still doing what young children do — sleep.
Staying in the shelter of the big tent because of the mist blowing down the mountains, he was awake when it was announced that he was the winner of the Best Decorated Stroller. Tiana Kunioka won the runner-up award.
A Native American in full regalia beat out the Ace of Hearts and a dancer with a mohawk in the Best Decorated Individual competition.
The event wrapped up with a healthy free breakfast supplied by Sweet Marie’s in Waipouli.
“Did you see my sign?” Marie Cassel, owner of Sweet Marie’s, asked. “It’s got my new logo which was unveiled today at this event.”
The event was spearheaded by Get Fit Kaua‘i and the county Department of Parks and Recreation with Director Lenny Rapozo doing the emcee duties.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
