Maui police officer trains for tough 100-mile race to honor fallen colleague
By Island News Web Staff
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HONOLULU (KITV) — A Maui Police officer and Native Hawaiian ultrarunner is preparing for one of the toughest endurance races in the world, all to honor a fallen colleague.
Frederick Welch IV will compete in the Leadville Trail 100 Run this summer in Leadville, Colorado. The race covers 100 miles and is known for its extreme elevation and demanding terrain.
Welch has been training nonstop, logging about 3,300 miles last year alone. Much of his training has taken place on Molokaʻi, where he hikes and runs steep terrain to prepare for the altitude challenges he’ll face in Colorado.
Because Hawaiʻi doesn’t have high elevations, Welch uses creative methods to train, including wearing an elevation mask and weighted gear while climbing local mountains.
Welch is a husband, a father of three, and an officer with the Maui Police Department on Molokaʻi. He says this race is deeply personal and is meant to honor Officer Suzanne O., a close friend and colleague who was killed in the line of duty.
He describes her as a dedicated officer who gave everything to serve both the department and the community. Welch says her commitment, honesty, and sacrifice are what inspire him to push himself to the limit.
Officer Suzanne O. was shot and killed on August 15 while responding to a terroristic threatening call in Paʻia. A suspect has been charged in her death and is scheduled to go to trial in June.
As Welch prepares for the race in August, he is also working to raise funds to cover travel, lodging, nutrition, and support crew needs. He says running the Leadville 100 requires a strong team, including pacers and crew members, and he’s asking for help to make it possible.
Welch says the journey isn’t easy, but honoring his friend makes every challenge worth it.
Donations and sponsorships can be made through Venmo at @Frederick-WelchIV or by check payable to Frederick Welch IV or KŪKINI O IESŪ LLC, mailed to P.O. Box 148, Kaunakakai, HI 96748.
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