PO‘IPU — The Kaua‘i Marathon invites the public to several complimentary events during the Labor Day weekend. The doors to the Sports and Fitness Expo will open at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Ballroom at 10 a.m. Friday and will be
PO‘IPU — The Kaua‘i Marathon invites the public to several complimentary events during the Labor Day weekend.
The doors to the Sports and Fitness Expo will open at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Ballroom at 10 a.m. Friday and will be open through Saturday.
Logo marathon merchandise, along with several other active lifestyle vendors, will be on hand to share their products and services.
Bart Yasso, a veteran runner and Runner’s World ambassador, will be available from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday to sign autographs, discuss race strategies or simply talk story about running.
Dean Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man, will be at the Expo from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
“This is an amazing opportunity to get an autograph, discuss race strategies, or just talk with two of the most legendary runners of our time,” said Robin Jumper of the Kaua‘i Marathon.
Karnazes earned his “Ultra Marathon Man” title by completing 50 marathons in all 50 states in 50 consecutive days. He is ranked by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world and is an advocate for healthy, active living.
Both Yasso and Karnazes will be participating in the Pre-race Fun Run ,which starts at 8 a.m. Saturday on the cane haul road just past the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i.
The run offers the public an opportunity to soak in the marathon spirit by participating in an informal 3- to 5-mile run, led by Yasso and Karnazes.
Kaua‘i Marathon officials stress this is not a race and will not be timed. Participants are asked to park in the designated event parking lot on the left at the end of Po‘ipu Road.
The fun run is open to the public.
During the Sports and Fitness Expo, runners and participants in The Kaua‘i Marathon can pick up their race bibs, race packets and other material in preparation for the Sunday marathon.
The 4th annual Kaua‘i Marathon will start at 6 a.m. Sunday on Po‘ipu Road fronting the Po‘ipu Shopping Village.
The first 11 miles will have both the half marathoners and marathoners running together before the half marathoners, coming out of Oma‘o, will veer off into the Kukui‘ula Resort and the oceanfront finish.
Marathoners, also coming out of Oma‘o, will turn up Koloa Road, heading to the neighborhoods of Lawa‘i and Kalaheo before returning to the Kukui‘ula Resort and the oceanfront finish.
Following the run, the marathoner’s finish party and awards ceremony will take place on the lawn of The Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort starting at 8 a.m.
Race participants and their supporters can enjoy food, refreshments and live entertainment until the early afternoon.
Online registration deadline for the event ends on Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Visit www.thekauaimarathon.com for more information, or to register online prior to the Wednesday deadline.
