KAPAA — Jakki Nelson is one of the few to have participated in the Old Town Kapaa Turkey Trot every year since it started six years ago. Thanksgiving morning, she was there in a green tutu, cruising along Ke Ala
KAPAA — Jakki Nelson is one of the few to have participated in the Old Town Kapaa Turkey Trot every year since it started six years ago.
Thanksgiving morning, she was there in a green tutu, cruising along Ke Ala Hele Makalae with a big smile and feeling fine.
“I love running the bike path,” the Anahola woman said, taking a brief break. “I’ve trained for six marathons on this bike path.”
The beauty of it, next to the ocean, attracts and inspires her.
“Other than that, it’s nice to have something that forces me to get up at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving day and be productive,” Nelson said.
Her 10K effort Thursday was in part preparing her for the rest of what was sure to be a busy but fun day with family and friends.
“I’m feeling ready for Thanksgiving,” she said. “My yard is set up. I’m having 60 people over later. So this is me blowing off steam,” she added, laughing.
Nelson was one of about 200 kids and adults who turned out to run, walk or bike the annual Turkey Trot that started and ended at Kapaa Beach Park. They could go either 10K or 5K — or whatever distance they wanted, really.
The free event presented by Work It Out in Kapaa benefited Hale Ho‘omau, a family support center, and the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.
Juliet Kaoheleulii arrived in a turkey outfit, complete from head to toes, found in a thrift store for about $20. She was popular, with many asking to pose with her for pictures, before the race. During it, she turned volunteer and handed out cups of water at an aid station on the course.
The costume, she said, kept her nice and warm on a cool, cloudy, windy morning. And she wasn’t even hungry yet, either, since she was a turkey on Thanksgiving.
“I’m nice and stuffed,” she said, smiling.
Lisa Maxwell, from California enjoying her annual Thanksgiving trip to Kauai, was delighted there was a turkey trot on so she could put in some extra miles before a big meal.
“Then, I can eat more,” she said.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. gave a short, motivational speech to the crowd. He encouraged them to enjoy the views, the company and to keep smiling.
“Be thankful for everything we have,” he said.
Rebecca Hart, who led the warmup exercises, echoed those words.
“We are all thankful to be healthy and well and have each other here on this island, ” she said.
Dana Reese and son Jacob Reese of Kalaheo enjoyed the run together. They ran the Kauai half marathon in September, when Jacob finished his first race and came in 10th in his age group.
It was Jacob’s idea to run the Turkey Trot when they missed the Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run earlier this month.
“It’s a great way to start Thanksgiving,” Dana said.
It’s a chance to spend time together, too, but not ideal for conversation.
“He’s usually ahead of me so we don’t talk that much,” Dana said.
Likewise for the mother/daughter team of Mele Kaui and Maliana Kaui, who were planning to go the 5K with their dog, Pili.
Mele said the event was a good chance to be with Maliana, home from school on Oahu for the holidays
“It’s wonderful,” Mele said. “We’re going to spend some time with the rest of our family after this.”
Kevin Ikeda of Lihue found himself running the 10K after his friend Jon Cabot asked if he would join him.
“It’s been a while since I’ve exercised so I’m trying to get back out there in the exercising world,” Ikeda said as he relaxed at the finish area.
Both planned to eat — a lot — on Thanksgiving.
“Especially after a run,” Kevin said.
