The 2013 Kauai Marathon festivities kicked off Friday with the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Open and free to participants and the general public alike, the expo features a variety of running gear.
The 2013 Kauai Marathon festivities kicked off Friday with the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa.
Open and free to participants and the general public alike, the expo features a variety of running gear.
Visitors on Friday were also given the opportunity to meet notable runners and participants, including Running’s World Ambassador and Kauai Marathon host Bart Yasso.
Yasso, who was signing autographs for his memoir “My Life on the Run” and chatting with the public, will participate in this year’s half marathon.
“I’m not here for the race,” Yasso said, “I’m here for the festivities.”
The “Ultra Marathon Man” and Kauai Marathon host, Dean Karnazes also made an appearance at the expo.
Jeff Sacchini, founder of the Kauai Marathon, said the field is close to 500 for the marathon. About 1,300 are signed up for the half marathon.
Kauai Diva and Dudes will have about 30 competitors, said founder Lisa Ledesma.
Formed by Ledesma several years back to get people out and moving, membership has dramatically increased.
“We started with only two or three of us,” said Ledesma. “Now we have like 160 members.”
Kauai Diva Carol Manera Texeira is one of the members running Sunday.
“I’m a virgin runner,” Texeria said, “I’m doing the half and taking it off my bucket list.”
The Kauai Divas and Dudes can be spotted at the this year’s marathon sporting hot pink and gray.
Festivities for the Kauai Marathon will continue Saturday and feature the fourth annual Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. followed by the Kauai Marathon Keiki Run at 9 a.m.
The Sports and Fitness Expo will reopen at 10 a.m. and the Kauai Marathon will take place Sunday at 6 a.m.
Visit www.thekauaimarathon.com for more information.
