Want to be part of something special on Kauai later this year? Note, we did not use the word “fun,” but it is indeed something special. I’m talking about the Sixth annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday,
Want to be part of something special on Kauai later this year? Note, we did not use the word “fun,” but it is indeed something special. I’m talking about the Sixth annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 in Poipu. For those who have participated in years past, they know this race is as good as billed.
Let’s run over some of the highlights and what makes this one work from start to finish:
• It attracts elites, veterans and newbies, locals and visitors, ready to roll at the 6 a.m. start when torches pierce the darkness. And whether going the full marathon, 26.2 miles, or the half, everyone begins the day’s journey together. You can feel the aloha spirit and camaraderie in the air. Really.
• On the course, the support is simply phenomenal. Aid stations every mile with water and energy drinks. Just as helpful are the people who come out to cheer runners on. Hula dancers, musicians, cheerleaders, parents, kids and even dogs stand by to watch and root for you. Whether running through Omao, Koloa or Kalaheo, someone is clapping and waving. And yes, it makes a difference.
• The finish line is pure magic, with the ocean, spectators and KQNG’s Ron Wiley there to welcome you home. And the party in the park with awards, food and drink is one of the best. Not even the Boston Marathon offers free beer when the running is over. Let’s admit it. The glory of the finish line, where wives, girlfriends, parents and kids await, is pretty cool.
• The runner’s expo at the Grand Hyatt is good, but the real highlight comes when you get to meet people like Bart Yasso and Dean Karnazes and even join them on a jog the day before the race. Both are accomplished writers, speakers and runners, with wit and wisdom. You’ll be glad to know them.
• The keiki run at the Grand Hyatt pulled in hundreds of kids who, cheered on wildly last year by family, were a huge success and will be back.
• Then we have three-time defending champion Tyler McCandless, who also broke his course record last year and won $15,000. While here, Tyler put on running clinics around the island and gave away Newton Running shoes. He’s a terrific ambassador of the sport who trains hard, runs fast and smiles often.
We mention this now because you still have time to train, with the race seven months away.
Now, before you race out to register, know this: A marathon is difficult. It takes a lot of training to get through it. Feels easy in those early miles, but come the 20-mile marker, the legs grow weary and so does the will. That’s why we didn’t want to call it fun. This full marathon course is particularly difficult due to the many hills (though the final 4 or so are a gradual downhill). If you’re new to running, the half might be a better choice — which is what most, around 1,300 or so — do on Kauai compared to about 400 in the full.
If you’re not convinced about buying those new running shoes, here’s a little more incentive.
The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon announced the first Friends and Family “Gear Up” promotion. From March 17-31, sign up two family members or friends for the 2014 Kauai Marathon or Half Marathon and you will receive a $50 gift certificate for merchandise at the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kauai on Friday, Aug. 29 and Saturday, Aug. 30. I’m happy to report I’ve got a daughter, son and a sister who may be headed for Kauai for the marathon.
Simply email your name, as well as the two family members’ or friends’ names to infothekauaimarathon@yahoo.com by March 31 and they’ll have your $50 gift certificate ready for you at the expo in August.
The Kauai Marathon registration rates increase on April 1.
Marathoner and half marathoner participants have a few weeks left to register before rates increase for a final time on Sunday, Aug. 31. Rates are as follows: Full marathon. $200 through March 31, $225 thereafter, $125 kamaaina and active military through March 31, $145 thereafter.
Half Marathon is $95 from through March 31, $125 thereafter, $85 kamaaina and active military through March 31, $115 thereafter.
I hope to see you at the starting line.
And better yet, the finish.
• Bill Buley is editor-in-chief of The Garden Island. He can be reached at (808) 652-0148 or bbuley@thegardenisland.com
