H.U.R.T. is much, much more than Running

Some people might view the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team (H.U.R.T.) as a committed group of long-distance runners and that is true. I’ve been active with the H.U.R.T. group since 2002 though I have known of H.U.R.T. and John Salmonson for over 20 years.

What I have learned is that H.U.R.T. is much more than a group of runners. Some of us are single and some of us are married. Some of us have young kids and some of us have grand kids. We support each other in running but we also support each other as friends and family. We’ve had some H.U.R.T. runners get married and some get divorced. We are there for each other on birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and also the not so fun stuff like illness and disease.

Now we are here for a H.U.R.T. runner in another way and we are truly saddened by this. Sally Skimin lost her husband, David Skimin, in the crash of the Coast Guard helicopter last week. When I think of Sally, I think of her as being that fast runner who show’s up at H.U.R.T. races occasionally and typically wins, sometimes even beating all the guys. Another way I think of Sally is when I see her out on the trails with her two dogs. I remember running into Sally and Heather O’Malley just before the Muanawili race running with the dogs out training for the race–which they won as a relay team. I now have two dogs, inspired by Sally’s love of running with her dogs and they do make great running companions.

I never met David, however from all accounts, I wish I had. It sounds like he was a real adventurer and an avid waterman. That was his specialty in the Coast Guard–Rescue Swimmer. He was so much more than that though.

I am including this note and photo from Sally. She would really like our support. Please try to attend. I know Sally will appreciate it. Please note the Service to be held out at Sunset Beach on Saturday afternoon.

"As you have probably heard, my husband, David, was killed on Thursday, September 4th in a helicopter crash. I have friends and family with me. I am as shocked and stunned as many of you are. Dave was so full of life. He will be missed by so many.

Here is his obituary to be published in the Honolulu Advertiser, Kodiak Daily Mirror and a Riverside/ San Bernadino paper.

David Lee Skimin, 38, hometown San Bernadino / Big Bear, California; home Kodiak, Alaska; stationed Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaii. Survived by wife, Sarah “Sally” Skimin; daughter, Autumn; mother, Margaret; father, Tony; stepfather, Larry; brothers, James, Danny & Kenny; sisters Donna & Cori; grandmother, Muriel; grandfather, Oren; also many cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends – watermen and Coast Guard servicemen alike. Member of Oahu Water Ski Club and Elks USA. Rescue swimmer by trade, surfer, paddler, shaper, fisherman, hunter, birder, free diver, brewmaster and husband by choice. Memorial service Saturday September 13th, 4 pm at Sunset Beach. Paddle out to follow. There will also be a memorial service in San Bernadino, California, Saturday September 20th, time to be announced, Church of Later Day Saints Chapel. Both open to friends.

The Coast Guard is preparing a ceremony on Friday September 12th for all four servicemen lost in the crash. I have no details to provide on that service at this time other than the date."

Click photo to enlarge it.

Cherish every moment with those you love! Love every moment with all you have. It can all be gone in an instant!

Aloha David

With all our love and support to you Sally!

From all of H.U.R.T.

Bob McAllaster