Spirit of Aloha | Message of Aloha | July/August 2003

Message of Aloha

Running High

At the Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Run, Trudy Tom and Charlene Faria volunteer at the Aloha Airlines aid station to provide refreshments and moral support

It is known as one of the world's toughest measured marathons, a 26.2-mile race in the wilderness of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. It starts in the predawn chill at an elevation of 4,000 feet, before even the upland birds have begun to sing. Every summer, the fittest and the bravest of runners rise to the challenges of the Kïlauea Volcano Wilderness Run and, in the process, unite the community in admiration and support.

"It's pitch black when we get there," notes Trudy Tom, customer service manager for the Aloha Airlines Hilo station, which runs the aid station for the race about two miles below the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. "Have you ever walked around at night with no street lights? It's very, very dark. We park about a quarter-mile away and carry our supplies, such as hot-water containers, doughnuts and fruit. It's uphill and we need flashlights. The tables and water are already at the breakfast station, and when we get there, we set up our banner and breakfast. You don't even hear the birds, because it's too early. You're in the dark having coffee, talking with the others, and the sun begins to rise. It's breathtaking. And it's a very powerful experience to have the opportunity to share that moment with your co-workers."

This year's July 26 event marks the sixth year that Aloha Airlines has sponsored the marathon aid station. Volunteers like Trudy Tom and Charlene Faria, a customer service agent, arrive before 5:15 a.m. and provide water, coffee, snacks and, most important, support to the racers who stream by. The run, consisting of a five- and 10-mile race in addition to the 26.2-mile marathon, breaks off at the aid station into the two longer segments.

"We arrive wearing sweatshirts and, over that, a parka and sweatpants," continues Trudy. "As the day goes on, we peel the layers off. We're at the edge of the volcano and the Ka'u Desert. Although we have a bit of the wetness of the volcano, the marathoners are running through the desert." The temperature is in the high 30s, and as the day unfolds and the runners begin, the atmosphere becomes charged with enthusiasm.

"We hand out water and whatever people need, such as Band Aids," explains Charlene. "We also log all the race numbers for the runners so they can keep track of who has gone into the wilderness."

What brings these volunteers back year after year is the joy of giving. "I do this to give back to the community," says Charlene. "We encourage and support the runners, and we serve the public. We are saying thank you."

Adds Trudy: "It's a big show of support to the runners, to the community and especially to the marathoners along Volcano Road, who are starting into the off-road terrain. They see a big banner that says 'Aloha Airlines.' If you've ever been a runner, you know how exciting it is to see a banner, because you know that it means there's an aid station. The runners are always yelling at us, 'Thanks for being here, thanks for your cheers.'"

Some runners participate just to enjoy the scenery. "They do the 10-mile, they stop and have coffee and a doughnut or banana with us, and they continue," explains Charlene.

"It is really a good feeling to see how they appreciate the support," notes Trudy. "We give the runners appreciation and credit-first to get up so early in the morning, and then to run. For us, it's also an opportunity to come together and enjoy one another in a spirit of camaraderie."

Glenn R. Zander
President and Chief Executive Officer, Aloha Airlines

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