Leaders of the East Kauai Y’s Men, in partnership with officials of the YMCA, hold their 23rd annual Youth Run on Saturday at 8 a.m. (registration is at 7:30 a.m.) on the grounds at Kilohana Plantation in Puhi. The run
Leaders of the East Kauai Y’s Men, in partnership with officials of the YMCA, hold their 23rd annual Youth Run on Saturday at 8 a.m. (registration is at 7:30 a.m.) on the grounds at Kilohana Plantation in Puhi.
The run began in September 1982, and is the longest-running event of its kind on the island.
In 1992, the island of Kaua‘i was hit by a Category 4 hurricane, ‘Iniki, which devastated the island, leaving some residents without power and the keiki with no school for up to three months.
Under extreme circumstances, club members met, and decided to go ahead with the race.
“With the schools closed and no other youth sport activities on the island, we had our biggest turnout ever. That was our most rewarding year,” said Donna Schulze, former Y’s Men president and 30-year member of the East Kauai Y’s Men Club.
The youth run includes categories for youngsters from stroller age to teens, and is a fun way to introduce the adolescents to running as a valuable exercise, said Schulze, who is also a runner.
Owners and operators of businesses are asked to donate prizes and refreshments. No child goes home without a prize, and all runners receive YMCA T-shirts.
