Fifth Bieni 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk builds breast care awareness

First dog, “Ernie,” and his human, Ricci Bezona, clocked in with a time of 29:13.50 at last year’s 5K race. (PHOTO BY PATRICK O’LEARY, COURTESY OF HPA)

Now in its fifth year, the Bieni 5K Fun Run and Dog Walk attracts a variety of runners, walkers, friendly canines, and families for a worthy cause. Held annually at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, the community event honors Bieni Kohler-Johnson, an HPA alumna who passed away in 2009 after a valiant battle against breast cancer.

All net proceeds from the event fund the annual Bieni Kohler-Johnson ’83 Scholarship at HPA, which recognizes young women who are gifted in athletics, academics or the arts.

The race begins at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20 at HPA’s cross-country course in Waimea, and continues on a trail that winds through scenic hills, flats, grass, and pavement around the campus.

The top fundraiser receives a two-night grand prize at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The runner-up fundraiser receives a round of golf for four at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Fundraisers do not need to be present to win. Medals will be awarded to the top two overall male and female finishers and to the top three male and female finishers in each age division.

Entry fees are $25 for participants 11 and older and $35 for those 11 and older with dogs. Participants who pre-register online by Sept. 8 will receive a race shirt and goodie bag.

To register, visit flpregister.com/154. For more information, contact Liz Noetzel at 989-9100 or [email protected].