Annual Fun Run Honors Young Lymphoma Victim

The 13th annual Mango Days 5k returns June 14, launching at 6:30 a.m. from Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park.

If that sounds too early to even be awake, know that it’s for a good cause: Proceeds benefit American Cancer Society to go toward cancer research.

Mango Days is held in honor of the late Patty Smith, who died from lymphoma at age 19. Gathering her diary entries, letters to her best friend, poems and drawings, her parents Kit and Margie created a book called Mango Days. The race was created by Neil Voje, who wanted to do something in honor of the Smith family after reading the book.

“The book inspired Neil to create the Mango Days 5k to honor Patty and raise funds for cancer research,” explains Jen McVeay, who has since taken over as race director. “I never knew Patty, as she passed away many years before I met the Smith family, but I feel connected to her just from reading the book and spending time with her amazing family.”

Kit and Margie continue to participate in the race each year, and occasionally are joined by Patty’s extended family from the Mainland. They also bring copies of Mango Days to be handed out at the race to share Patty’s story.

“Ultimately I want Mango Days to bring families and friends together, raise money for cancer research, and keep Patty’s memory alive,” McVeay says.

The Mango Days course starts at Magic Island, winds around Ala Moana Beach Park and ends near McCoy Pavilion. When it’s all over, an awards ceremony is held at Ryan’s Grill, where the top three men and women in various divisions will be recognized. And even if you don’t place, there still will be a tasty reward: an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Ryan’s.

Mango Days is just one of a series of races that McVeay organizes through her race production group Tropical Triple Crown. Throughout the year, Tropical Triple Crown also puts on the Hibiscus Half Marathon, which wrapped in May, the Holiday Hustle Fun Run in December and the New Year’s Resolution Ultra Run & Relay in January. Up next is the Coconut Chase 8k fun run or walk, which takes place at 6:30 a.m. July 12 at Neal S. Blaisdell Park in Pearl City.

These various races all have a common thread: They all benefit a larger cause. This year’s races, other than Mango Days, will raise money for Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.

“There are so many good causes out there, and I know that when the economy is rough, the first thing people cut out is their charitable donations,” McVeay says. “I want to continue raising funds and raising awareness for local charities, while at the same time putting on fun events to get people off the couch!”

For more information on Mango Days and other Tropical Triple Crown races, and to register, visit tropicaltriplecrown.com.