HiCO Run Club Kona 5k and Fun Run
Community meets wellness.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, HiCO hosted its 4th 5k to encourage prioritizing health and building a community that inspires one another to grow. And they were more than talk.
From the beginning, they made sure everyone grabbed a bingo card complete with fitness challenges and shenanigans. The bingo card included exchanging contact information with a new friend and even a slot for racing sans phone. From high-fiving 10 runners to telling the MC he had small biceps or going piggyback on a friend for 10 feet, the frenetic crowd brought the most spirited pre-race energy witnessed at a 5k. “It’s great seeing Kona come alive again,” said Elisha of Aloha Kona IV Therapy, who hosted a pop-up tent for IV treatments ranging from a quick B12 boost to a 40-minute IV infusion.
HiCO states that they are dedicated to building a vibrant and supportive community through wellness. “By combining fitness, connection, and the spirit of aloha, we create a space where individuals can come together to prioritize their health, forge lasting relationships, and inspire each other to grow.”
There were no race bibs, no timing chips, no start-finish line banner, just the community gathering and an MC on a mic counting us down, but there was something about this race that went beyond the casual structure. As an NPC athlete and avid runner, I’ve hit start lines and stages across the globe — from scrappy inaugural 5ks to the polished chaos of elite national events. Why did this race still feel so organized, I wondered. As I reflected on every thoughtful detail of the event, the crowd, the stories people shared with me, the volunteers, and even the giveaway prizes, I saw it. It wasn’t just logistics; it was a vibe so thick you could practically catch a contact high from the positivity. Was it really just aloha? On the fly, after being ‘volun-told’ to lead the 1-mile Walk, ‘Yamanu’ John Bailey happily swapped his linen button-up for a HiCO race shirt and led the walkers in the mile loop. If you have ever met Yamanu, you know his disposition always seems on the verge of laughter. Watching him give his time and bring such energy was my first inkling of the generosity and aloha seeping through the event.
After the runners returned, I noticed one strong runner (Charles ‘Chuck’) leave and several minutes later come back again. When I spoke with him later, he told me that he “wanted to make sure everyone made it back home.” No one asked this of him. He and his running pal, Kui, were former military, and they said it is just in their blood to make sure everyone makes it back home.
The post-race energy did not weaken. Ice baths were full, with everyone giving it their best shot at soaking for the minimum 3 minutes. Bingo cards were turned in for a free drink inside HiCO, directly behind the MC, compliments of HiCO. DJ James Scott (IG @james808080808) was already pumping music for enjoyment inside the coffee shop and from the outdoor seating area. Among the prizes were HiCO muscle tanks, Big Island Running Co trucker hats, a voucher for new running shoes at Big Island Running Co., and Redmond Re-Lyte supplement sample packs. But the generous host and HiCO founder, Johan Forsberg, did not stop there, giving away additional shirts and supporting a local Girl Scout (a young vendor at the race) by purchasing large stacks of her Girl Scout cookies to give away to participants.
Drew Manning announcing prizes to enthusiastic winners
Runner, Elliot Chase, talking to daughter Reign (age 5) from the cold plunge
“Nothing brings a demographic like this in Kona,” said Leah Chase (IG @leahdaychase), who completed the race at 31 weeks pregnant with her family, Posie (age 3), Reign (age 5), and husband Elliot. Seeing her crush it at 31 weeks pregnant was a masterclass in wellness. “The girls love races,” she said, and added that she loved the vibe and the community that this race brought. She was certainly right about the wide demographic. There were singles, families, young, mature, and four-legged runners — the kind of diverse fitness community most event directors only dream of. The array of fitness levels, too, highlighted that HiCO accomplished its mission of bringing Kona together for wellness and community.
Host, Drew Manning @fit2fat2fit
MC Drew Manning (IG @fit2fat2fit) was an energetic and heartfelt host. When we talked afterward about the event planning, he told me they didn’t want it to be about the fitness; they wanted it to be about community and about wellness. Encouraging and thanking participants, vendors, Johan, and behind-the-scenes people, he then closed the race, exhorting the crowd like a big brother, “Take care of your physical health, take care of your mental health. Aloha”
When HiCO announces its next community race, mark your calendar and bring a friend.
