The 2013 edition of the Kauai Marathon is less than two weeks from unfolding, while organizers announced some complimentary events for the public. Online registration for the Fifth annual Kauai Marathon is being accepted at www.thekauaimarathon.com through Aug. 29. Spots
The 2013 edition of the Kauai Marathon is less than two weeks from unfolding, while organizers announced some complimentary events for the public.
Online registration for the Fifth annual Kauai Marathon is being accepted at www.thekauaimarathon.com through Aug. 29. Spots are being accepted for the half or full marathon.
Race packets, bibs and participant bags must be picked up at the Sports and Fitness Expo, which is open to the public at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on Aug. 30 and Aug. 31, starting at 10 a.m.
During the Sports and Fitness Expo, members of the public can expect to meet some of the participants of the Kauai Marathon, dignitaries and other notable people from the marathon.
Logo marathon merchandise as well as several other lifestyle vendors will offer products and services for shoppers.
On Aug. 30, Bart Yasso, veteran runner, Runner’s World Ambassador, and Kauai Marathon host, will be available from 11 a.m. to noon for autographs, talking story, or discussing race strategies.
Dean Karnazes, the “Ultra Marathon Man” and Kauai Marathon host, will be at the expo from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
The public is invited to complimentary presentations by Coach Gary Westlund, founder and president of Charities Challenge, who will speak about “Running Beyond Health Challenges.”
Yasso, following his public appearance, will discuss “Everything You Need to Know About Running the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon” starting at 2 p.m.
“Avoid 4 Common Running Injuries” is the topic discussed by Meynard Enriquez MPT, Ryan Martin PT, Ellen Easley PT of Hawaii Sports and Balance Center.
Yasso returns at 5 p.m. to discuss “Never Limit Where Running Can Take You.”
More events unfold Aug. 31 when the Fourth annual Fun Run kicks off starting at 7:30 a.m. at the end of Poipu Road, just past the Grand Hyatt Kauai.
The 3- to 5-mile run will be led by Karnazes and Yasso, and because it is “a fun run,” will not be timed.
Participants are asked to park in the designated event parking lot on the left at the end of Poipu Road.
Following the Fun Run, the first of what is expected to be an annual event, Kauai Marathon Keiki Run, starts on the far west end of the Grand Hyatt Kauai at 9 a.m.
Registration fees for the keiki run is $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the race. Participants registering at www.thekauaimarathon.com before Aug. 26 are guaranteed a medal and event shirt.
Late registration takes place at 8 a.m. on race day.
Categories in the keiki run include a 100-yard run for 2 to 4 year olds, a quarter-mile run for 4 to 7 year olds, and a half-mile run for 8 to 12 year olds.
Participants are encouraged to list their school on the entry form because the elementary school that brings in the most runners for the Keiki Run will receive a $500 contribution from the Kauai Marathon.
Following the morning runs, the expo re-opens starting at 10 a.m. with a full schedule of presentations, including Marathon Goddess Julie Weiss speaking on her 2012 adventure — “52 Marathons in 52 Weeks — The Journey.”
“BRILLIANT! Why Runners and Race Walkers are Smarter than Everyone Else” by Westlund and “Compression Fractures of the Foot versus Plantar Fascilitis Pain” with the Hawaii Sports and Balance Center are new topics being presented at the Aug. 31 edition of the expo.
The Kauai Marathon starts at 6 a.m. Sept. 1 in front of the Poipu Shopping Village on Poipu Road.
Marathon and half marathon runners run together for the first 11 miles before the half marathoners head back to the oceanfront finish line at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu.
Marathon runners head up Koloa Road for a tour through the neighborhoods of Lawai and Kalaheo before returning to the oceanfront finish line. Traffic advisories will be in effect for the Kauai Marathon.
Visit www.thekauaimarathon.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
