Hapalua Team Challenge

Ben Payne, age 43 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 6:00

-My biggest fans: wife Erin and kids Palmer, Bria & Piper

-2004 Air Force Academy graduate

-USAF pilot stationed at Hickam Field; member of Colorado Air National guard

-3-time competitor at USA Marathon Olympic Trials (2016, 2020, 2024)

-2-time World Military Games competitor (2015, 2019)

-9th place overall at 2016 NYC Marathon

-first time on Team Hawaii in The Hapalua!

PR’s:

Marathon – 2:15

Half – 1:03

10k – 28:36

5k – 13:44

Cosmo Brossy, age 28 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 8:00

I’m originally from Los Angeles, California but I’ve lived in Alewa Heights for the last five years with my Grandfather. I have two brothers, one of whom is my twin and also a runner. I work in the local arts community as a preparator and in arts management with Nā Mea Hawaiʻi and Arts & Letters Gallery. I also do a fair bit of woodworking and sculpture on the side.

I started really running in high school and continued as a Division III cross country and track athlete for Amherst College. I focused on the 3k, 5k and had the most fun running the 1600m leg of the Distance Medley Relay at the NCAA Championships. I’ve run 14:33 for the 5k, 2:24 at the 2024 Valencia Marathon and was the top resident finisher at the 2022 Honolulu Marathon. I’ve been lucky to travel around the continent to run Marathons with friends and have even hosted them here on Oʻahu for a few races. I’m extremely excited to see what I can do at the Hapalua Half with our team this year.

Jeremy Morgan, age 27, (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 10:30

I was a 2-time cross country national qualifier while running for Moraine Valley Community College in Illinois. Then, I competed in cross country and track for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. After receiving my degree in Environmental Science I moved to Hawaii where I am currently a biologist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I was the top Hawaii resident finisher for the 2023 Honolulu Marathon with a time of 2:37:43 and 2nd place overall in the 2025 Great Aloha Run.

PRs include:

5k: 16:18

8k: 27:02

10k: 33:21

Half Marathon: 1:11:49

Jay Dela Cruz , age 43 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 13:00

Completed 33 full marathons

Abbott Seven World Marathon Majors Finisher – all sub-3 hours:

• Chicago 2024 – 2:37:01
• Sydney 2024 – 2:39:39
• Tokyo 2024 – 2:40:36
• Boston 2024 – 2:42:21
• New York 2024 – 2:44:41
• London 2023 – 2:40:02
• Berlin 2021 – 2:57:50

4-Time Boston Marathon Finisher (Course PR 2:42:21)

3-Time Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon Champion (2022, 2023, 2024)

I am a resident of Honolulu and I currently work in the Business Services Department of one of the largest healthcare providers in Hawaii. While my professional life keeps me busy,  I also love to travel when I get a chance. I have been fortunate enough to visit more than 50 countries.  My passion to travel and love of running also led me to participate marathon races in different parts of the world. In addition to the seven world majors, I’ve run marathons in Athens, Greece; Auckland, New Zealand; and Reykjavik, Iceland. 

PRs

10K – 34:53 (2025)

Half Marathon – 1:18:09 (2023) 

Marathon – 2:33:00 (2023)

Kevin Enriques, age 36 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 14:30

Lives in Honolulu.  When not running or working he enjoys bouldering, hiking, or relaxing with his miniature schnauzer (Sherman) and his partner.  

10k PR 33:30

Half Marathon PR 1:17:29

Marathon PR 2:53:58

Running Accomplishments: Top Male Kama’aina in 2010 and 2016 Honolulu Marathon.  This will be my 7th year being on Hapalua’s Team Hawaii.  

Occupation – Accountant

Amanda Beaman, age 26 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 21:00

2015 Hawaii State High School Cross Country Champion

2015 Hawaii State High School Track Champion, 3000m
2016, 2023  Hapalua, Team Hawaii: 1:25:23 (2016)
2021, 2022, 2024 Honolulu Marathon Female Kama’aina Champion

Half Marathon: 1:25:23

Marathon: 3:04:02

Competed for University of Portland

Currently attending medical school at JABSOM

Missy Kunsch, age 30 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 22:00

Missy is a graduate of Hawaii Pacific University where she competed on the cross-country team for 4 years and coached as a post grad for 5 years. She currently works full-time at the City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency, and is an assistant cross country and track coach at Punahou School. Missy has competed in 11 marathons including Honolulu, Boston, New York and Berlin. Missy enjoys training with her friends and Kaka’ako Run Club. Her PRs include: 2:54 for marathon and 1:20:22 for half marathon.

Mary Craig, age 32 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 23:00

I work at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children as a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Physician. I am from Birmingham, AL, attended undergraduate at Auburn University and ran D1 Cross Country and Track and Field. In addition to running I love hiking, camping, beach walks with my dog, and being in the ocean! 

Recent PR’s

Mile 5:18 (Hawaii Kai Mile 2024, 1st female)

5K 18:43 (Flying Pig 5K 2024, 2nd female) 

10K 38:48 (King’s Runner 10K 2025) 

Half Marathon 1:27 (NYC Central Park Half Marathon 2024) 

Marathon 3:06 (Boston Marathon 2024) 

2025 HPH Women’s 10k Champion

2025 King’s Runner 10k, 5th overall Female

Mikayla Fujiwara, age 26 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 24:00

I was born in Kaneohe, HI, and I’m currently 26 years old. I currently go to medical school in New York, but I’m back home to study and research through the summer. I ran the Hapalua back in 2023 as part of Team Hawaii, and I’m excited and grateful to be a part of it again! Some of my hobbies are skin care, makeup, lashes and playing animal crossing on my Switch. I occasionally like talking to my friends if I have time! Excited to meet new and familiar faces.

Laura Ankrum, age 52, (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 26:00

I am a Big Island mother of 3 and a runner for 42 years. 2025 Hapalua is my third year on Team Hawai’i. For 11 years, I have lived on the Big Island with my husband Adam and 3 sons. We have enjoyed competing in athletic events throughout Hawai’i as a family of 5 and as individuals.

Marathon PR 2:49 1999

Last 10 years Marathon PR 2:58:57 at Hawaii Bird Marathon

Half Marathon PR 1:20 1996
10K PR 35:03 1994
Olympic Trials Marathon Qualifier 2000

NCAA Division 1 Championship Qualifier Two Times in 10,000m
Michigan State High School Champion 1600m 5:01 3200m 10:58
Member Otisville LakeVille High School State Track Team Champions 1991

Mieko Ochsner, age 48 (Team Duke’s Statue)

Handicap: 27:00

Born in Japan, Mieko is a 5-time Ironman finisher. She currently resides in Oahu and has a passion for traveling and training for her next race.

2020, 2023 Hapalua, Team Hawaii

10k 39:52

Half Marathon 1:29:52 ( 2023 Hapalua)

Marathon 3:11 (2024 New York City)

Afewerki Zeru, age 27 (Team Diamond Head, Captain)

Handicap: 00:00

Personal Records:

13:42 – 5000m

13:52 – 5k road

28:09 – 10,000m

28:22 – 10km road

46:53 – 10 mile

61:21 – Half Marathon

Dani Polerecky, age 30 (Team Diamond Head, Pro)

Handicap: 11:30

Season Bests:

Half Marathon: 01:11:08

15 Kilometres Road: 51:54

PRs:

10,000m: 31:22:86

5000m Short Track: 15:26:91

5000m: 15:17:62

Instagram: @danishani

Kuikaika Kaahanui, age 28 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 7:00

Ku is a competitive triathlete and accomplished distance runner from Hawaii. A two-time Hawaii State Cross Country Champion (2012 & 2013), he has continued his passion in endurance sports, winning the 2016 Tinman Triathlon and the 2024 Great Aloha Run.

His personal bests include 14:52 for 5K, 31:45 for 10K, and 1:09:16 for the half marathon. Beyond racing, Kuikaika manages the Wallyhouse Foodbank in Kalihi-Palama, serving the local community, and works with Boca Hawaii, a triathlon store in Kakaʻako. Passionate about triathlon and running, he enjoys pushing his limits and inspiring others through sport and community service.

Troy Oshimo, age 24 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 8:00

• Accomplishments: 2025 Great Aloha Run 3rd place, King’s Runner 2024 Runner-Up
• PR’s: 5K:15:35 | 8K: 25:52 | 10K: 32:33
• I’m an avid runner and a recent graduate of Hawai’i Pacific University. I currently work full-time as a Digital Technology Manager at L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Corporate. I continually challenge myself in running, aiming to improve my personal bests of 15:35 for the 5K, 25:52 for the 8K, and 32:33 for the 10K. To move up to the marathon to run sub 2:18:00 in the future. Beyond running and work, I have a passion for cooking Italian food, hiking, and traveling—having explored eight countries so far. I also enjoy video editing

Tom Jordon, age 27 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 10:30

I am a Coast Guard search and rescue helicopter pilot working out of Air Station Barbers Point in Kapolei.

PR’s:

Mile: 4:28

5K: 15:50

10K: 33:48

Marathon: 2:54:10

Connor Bootz, age 29 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 13:00

I am honored to represent Team Hawaii in The Hapalua. I currently live in Ewa Beach, and teach Math at Campbell High School. I am a former runner at Texas A&M University. 4:13 is my Mile PB and 2:40:12 is my Marathon PB.

Patrick Stover, age 36 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 14:30

I spend my days working at our local bike shop, helping others find their own passion for running or cycling, as well as substitute teaching and serving as head track and cross-country coach at Makua Lani Christian Academy. Afterward I make time for my own running and training before heading home to enjoy a delicious meal with my loving wife and hang out with our three cats! I wrap up the week by attending meets on Saturdays that my student athletes participate in, just like I did as a keiki. That leaves Sunday, which is my day of rest. And by “rest” I mean a long run and running errands.

 I run because I want to set an example for the athletes I coach. I ask a lot from them and I just want them to know that I also expect that from myself. I also want them to realize that just because we come from a small town does not mean we are small. If we have the heart of a lion we can become the Kings of our Kingdom. Don’t ever give up, and don’t ever stop believing in yourself! 

2006 HHSAA cross-country championship, 2nd

2006 HHSAA track and field 800m, 2nd

2015 Kona half-marathon, 1st

2017 Big Island International marathon, 1st

2017 Mac-a-thon 10k, 1st

2017, 2024 100% Kona Coffee half marathon, 1st

2017 Peacock Challenge 55 miler, 1st 

2017 & 2018 Volcano half marathon, 1st

2018  HURT 100 mile finisher

2018, 2019, 2022, 2024 Hapalua Finisher, Team Hawaii, with a half PR of 1:17:06

2018 & 2023 Boston Marathon Finisher

2019 Kau Coffee half marathon, 2nd 

2020 Hilo to Volcano 50k, 2nd

2020 100% Kona Coffee marathon, 1st  

2021 Hawai’i Bird Conservation marathon, 1st with a marathon PR of  2:43:31

2021 Ka’u Coffee Trail 50k, 1st

Grace Chow, age 28 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 21:00

Currently a Marine Corps officer and accomplished distance runner. A former Division 1 cross country athlete for The Citadel, Grace has completed 18 marathons and a 50-mile ultramarathon. She holds a 10K PR of 37:52, a half-marathon PR of 1:27, and marathon PR of 2:57. Grace is a key member of the All-Marine Corps running team. Lives here with her son and Husband. Recently won the King’s Runner 10k in March. Training for the Maui Marathon at the end of April.

Emily Reynolds, age 34  (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 22:00

Excited to represent Team Hawaii for the fourth year in a row! Former competitive swimmer turned triathlete, also hopping in various open water swim races, cycling, and running races across Hawaii. Works full time for NOAA Fisheries with an international fisheries focus and personal trainer on the side. Originally from Maryland but has lived on Oahu for over 5 years! Enjoys as much time outside/in the ocean as possible!

PR’s include 2025 Kings Runner 10k (38:22) and 2024 Hapalua Half Marathon (1:29.12) and 2023 HNL marathon top Hawaii resident female (3:11)

Marie Jobes, age 29 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 23:00

Marie is a triathlete from the Big Island with a passion for endurance racing. She began competing in triathlons four years ago, but her active lifestyle has always been at the core of who she is—participating in her high school cross-country and soccer teams, enjoying surfing and trail running, and using cycling as her primary mode of commuting in college. Marie is the founder of HIdrate Electrolytes, a Hawaii-made hydration drink designed for athletes and the Hawaii heat. Alongside running her business, she works as a bike ed instructor for the Hawaii Bicycling League, teaching elementary school students about cycling safety.

Personal Bests:

• 1:27:18 Half Marathon
• 39:15 10K
• First Place AG at the Big Island 70.3 Ironman, earning a spot at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Taupo, New Zealand, in 2024

Kristen Maxwell, age 26 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 25:00

​​I have been an athlete my whole life mostly team sports to include playing D1 Lacrosse in college, but I started to take running seriously after my first half marathon, the Hapalua in 2023.

My half marathon PR is 1:39:00 from the Kauai half marathon and my marathon PR from Honolulu Marathon 2024 is 3:18:55. I am full time active-duty in the Army and have lived in Hawaii since 2021. I also have other hobbies to include biking, swimming, surfing and cooking! Looking forward to representing Team Hawaii for the Hapalua!

2025 King’s Runner 10k , 7th Female, 40:04

Instagram: @kristenrunstheworld

Claudia Donovan (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 25:00

2025 King’s Runner 10k, 9th Female (40:15)

Noemaikealohaiku’ulei (Noe) Lum, age 28 (Team Diamond Head)

Handicap: 27:00

I was born and raised on Oahu and currently work here as a structural engineer. In addition to running, some activities that bring me joy include: hiking, reading, going fishing, eating yummy food, and coaching the lovely kids on the Punahou cross country and track teams. PRs: 10k – 40:56, HM – 1:31:20