Why run clubs are sweeping Hawaii and the nation

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Run clubs seem to be taking over the streets and social media. While not a new concept, there seems to be a sudden boost.

“For a while, I think we saw a dip,” said running coach Chris Kam. “The younger generation prefers gyms and gym memberships, but now I think as of the last year, we’re seeing an uptick, an increased interest in running.”

Kam started running 24 years ago. It was a way to stay healthy and active.

So far he’s run 20 Honolulu Marathons, and crossed the Los Angeles finish line.

While still running, he’s tapped more into his coaching side.

Last year, Kam met a group of newbies in a jogging group. He worked with them and they eventually did the Great Aloha Run, the Kings Runner 10K, the Hapalua Half, and even got three to finish the big one, the Honolulu Marathon.

“It’s one step at a time. A lot of people think ‘Oh marathon? That’s gonna kill me.’ Well it does not if you do it right and you train right. It’s entirely doable,” said Kam.

Why the recent interest?

Kam says from what he’s seen, it starts out as a way to socialize, then you get hooked. You don’t even realize you’re running.

“Me and my friends, we do it year, after year, after year. We know so much of it is about the journey and not about the race itself,” said Kam. “We enjoy the race, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the camaraderie we build in our running group and our running community that we really enjoy.”

That’s exactly what inspired one friend group to sign up for the Great Aloha Run next month.

At 77 years old, Buzzy Camacho and her Kamehameha Schools classmates still remain friends to this day. They look forward to catching up every weekend.

“I drive from Mililani to Ala Moana Beach Park on Saturdays and Sundays, and we meet at 6:30 in the morning and we do the three-mile Ala Moana walk and then we jump into the ocean,” said Camacho.

Camacho’s never owned a pair of running shoes in her life, and now with race day approaching, she’s ready to purchase her first set.

She hopes to prove that age is nothing but a number.

“From a health side is really what it is,.I just want to be around for my moopuna (grandchild), whose in the eighth grade, and longevity,” said Camacho.

This recent uptick has flooded social media and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

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