KAILUA-KONA — Hundreds of holly, jolly athletes took to Alii Drive on Sunday for the Jingle Bell Beach Run.
The 13th annual 5K event drew more than 700 participants, most of whom showed up in their holiday best — from Santa hats and holiday sweaters to Christmas’s lights reindeer antlers. One runner even showed up with a full-grown Christmas tree attached to his back.
The Christmas-themed event is one of the Big Island’s most anticipated races of the year, usually drawing more runners than any other 5K on the island. The event draws newcomers looking to break a sweat, walkers, weekend warriors and even a few elite runners. Sunday’s race even featured one runner posting a blistering sub-15 minute 5K.
“This is a good way to kick off the holiday season,” said Tish DeYoung, a California resident, who came to the Big Island to compete in her first Jingle Bell Run. “I am on a lot of racing websites and was sent a link for the race. It worked out for my schedule, so I came on over.”
DeYoung completed the 5-kilometer run with appropriate attire, proudly showing off a shirt that read “Resting Grinch face.”
“It’s early in the morning and I just want to survive,” DeYoung said.
For Jessica Nielsen and her son Reed, the Jingle Bell Run is a great way to escape the chaos of the holiday season, while also getting a chance to spend a little quality time together. This is the third year that both have competed in the event.
Two years ago, Jessica Nielsen competed in the 5K, while Reed competed in the Santa Keiki Dash. Last year, they both did the 1-mile run and this year they both raced in the 5K.
“This race has become a holiday tradition and it is something we look forward to every year,” said Jessica Nielsen, who added that the Jingle Bell Run is the only race her and her son compete in. “We love the costumes and it is a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.”
While most 5K races focus on the running, the Jingle Bell Run likes to put the spotlight on the costumes and the fun.
For Bryce Silva and his wife Beth, the event is a time for them to shine. Last year, Bryce Silva caught a lot of attention with his giant Frosty the Snowman costume. This year, he decided to do the 5K with a Christmas tree strapped to his back, ornaments and all. His wife added to the scene, dressed as a Christmas present.
“We lost a few ornaments along the way, but we told people to just keep them,” Beth Silva said.
“It was awesome and a lot of fun,” Bryce Silva added. “Everyone had a good time.”
Also attending the race were Pierre Degele and Dannielle Degele-Mathews. The brother/sister duo has participated in the Jingle Bell Run for four or five years.
“It is a great community event,” Degele said. “It’s just fun, fun, fun, and makes you happy, happy, happy. It is a family atmosphere.”
“The holiday spirit is all around,” Degele-Mathews added. “There are a lot of kids, and it is great to see them getting started early and getting exercise.”
Many runners showed up to the run on Sunday as a part of a big group. That was the case for event first-timers Ken Wilker and Evan Connolly, who raced with co-workers from the Keauhou Veterinary Hospital.
“The owners are really into racing and they offered to sign us up,” Wilker said. “We wanted to dress up too and had to be in the spirit. It is a lot of fun.”
As for the race itself, Matt Daniels blew away the field, finishing in a record time of 14 minutes, 56 seconds. The previous best Jingle Bell Run time was 16:04, set by Jacob Burris in 2015. Daniels was followed by Travis Thompson (16:31) and Orestes Gutierrez (17:36). Rounding out the top five were David Wild (17:37) and Alex Ankrum (18:06).
Bree Wee was the top female finisher, placing sixth overall with a time of 18:22.
Event organizer Rani Henderson, while pushing her son’s Cole and Raen, finished first in the stroller division with a time of 21:23.
The race started and finished in front of the volleyball court at Coconut Grove Marketplace. A Santa Keiki Dash was held on the volleyball court.