KOLOA — The 16th annual Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run is Saturday at Anne Knudsen Park.
The half marathon, 13.1 miles, starts at 7 a.m., followed by the 5k at 7:15 and the 10k at 7:30.
About 500 runners and walkers are expected.
The entry fee is $35 for the 5k and 10k, and $40 for the half marathon. It includes a shirt and breakfast, and awards for age-group winners. All half marathoners receive a medal.
The Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run is put on by the Rotary Club of Kauai, with proceeds going toward college scholarships leadership awards.
The scenic course of the 5k and 10k is on the Koloa bypass road. The half marathon, with some ocean views, includes Poipu Road and Hoonani Road before returning on the bypass road.
It used to include a stretch through the sugar plantation, with much mud and dirt. Now, it bypasses the mill, still visible from the road.
The final three miles of the 10k and half marathon are the toughest. The starting line is at an elevation of 250 feet. The course drops down to sea level, “then you have to come backup,” said Dick Olsen, assistant run director.
The run is popular with families, as well as more serious runners, some who use it as a tuneup for the Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 9.
The field includes a mix of locals and mainlanders, some who travel to Kauai just for this race. Last year, one man ran his 50th half marathon to complete his goal to run 50 half marathons in 50 states.
Packet pick up is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Kukui Grove Center in the exhibit area behind Starbucks.
“It’s amazing how many signups we get at the last minute,” said Tom Lodico, race director.
There is no race-day registration.
Info: oldkoloasugarmillrun.org
