For much of Saturday’s three-mile “Bum Run,” James Pratt ran out front. The 13-year-old from Lihue eventually finished second, but he was still all smiles at the finish line. “It’s such a fun thing to do,” James said. “I can’t
For much of Saturday’s three-mile “Bum Run,” James Pratt ran out front.
The 13-year-old from Lihue eventually finished second, but he was still all smiles at the finish line.
“It’s such a fun thing to do,” James said. “I can’t wait for the next one next year.”
Scott Kurytnik of Canada came on to take first in the untimed fun run on a sunny but windy day at Poipu Bay Golf Course. While vacationing on Kauai, he looked for a race and found this one. He was pleased to win, but credited Pratt for a terrific performance.
“That little guy pushed the pace. He was tough to beat,” Kurytnik said.
An estimated 225 runners and walkers, from kids to adults, participated in the event to raise awareness about colon cancer. Many came to walk, talk and then relax when it was over. Many were wearing the Bum Run shorts that came with their registration, and all enjoyed the trek around the South Shore course.
“It’s great to run on Poipu Bay,” said Eric Wortmann. “It’s so beautiful and it’s great to have the community out here.”
But the course on the golf cart path wasn’t easy, said Wortmann, a Kalaheo doctor. There were more than enough ups and downs and turns.
“You always have to change your pace,” he said.
The race, in its second year, was organized by the Grand Hyatt Kauai. Diann Hartman, the resort’s director of public relations, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2014 and underwent surgery last year.
Hartman was energized by the turnout for the race on Saturday that included many volunteers stepping up to help.
“I’m feeling great,” she said.
Her one-year post-surgery follow-up is in two weeks. She is confident she is healthy.
“I’m not afraid,” Hartman said.
Supporters of the Bum Run included visitors and locals.
Kyle Ide of Mesa, Arizona, and son Ben were among the early finishers.
“I didn’t expect the hills and the wind,” Ben Ide said. “The wind is a lot more than what we get back home.”
Brittany Remillard of Koloa said the entire event, start to finish, was amazing.
“It makes it even better when you do it for a cause,” she said.
Likewise for Kalaheo’s Chanin Tavita, who was grinning as she crossed the finish line with her 7-year-old niece, Ihilani Vea.
“It was wonderful,” she said.
