January brought a second opportunity for a race on O’ahu. After the earlier 5K in Manoa, Aloha Racing presented the Akahai 5K, 10K and 1/2 Marathon. I chose the half marathon distance. This is a primarily flat course and I was eager to get in some miles without the challenging hills near my lodging.

Conditions for running and racing were perfect. The temperature at the start was a comfortable 55 degrees with a light offshore breeze.

The start/finish was located at the Wai Kai Water Park near Ewa on the west side of O’ahu. 1/2 Marathoners had a 6:45 a.m. start, with dawn just creeping in. I love the feel of a morning race where the sky is opening up to greet the day.

From the park, we followed an out and back route through a development with beautiful wide streets. About six miles in, we began a very slow almost indistinct downhill for a mile or so, then of course at the turnaround then proceeded to a slight uphill for about a mile, just enough to keep it interesting.

In this more rural area we passed Barber’s Point. Then, we had an ocean view as we made the turn-around at Nimitz Beach. There was very little traffic, with the exception of pick ups rolling into parking areas loaded with surfboards and eager surfers.

As you can see from the photo, I was alone on the podium in the 70-79 AG. I could use some company out here.

Unlike most races in Hawaii, I didn’t feel the heat of the day until the final mile. What a pleasure! With very low mileage under my belt, I was careful not to go out fast and just enjoyed the run. I finished feeling great with a time of 2:24:21.

If you are on O’ahu in January, this is a great race with several distances to accommodate family and friends. There is much to like about the race:

• Excellent organization – everything went off on time
• Adequate bathrooms – no lines
• Water Pumping hand wash station near bathrooms (every race should have these)
• Easy and plentiful parking just across the street
• Cooling towel handed out as you cross finish line
• free photos
• instant timing results
• proceeds shared with Hawaii Parkinson Association

And the final plus of this race was the eco-friendly attitude that carried through the race. Organizers requested that participants not bring plastic throw-away bottles or other items to the venue.

Aid stations used paper cups and even the water handed out at the finish was in treated paper containers.

All in all a great morning. By 9:45, we were on our way back to Honolulu in the role of spectators at grandkids’ swim lessons. There is a a lot to be said for an early race start.