KOLOA — CrossFit Poipu founder Aaron Hoff announced the return of the annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run for Saturday, Sept. 19. Hoff launched the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail run in last year in his efforts to support the island’s troubled youth.
KOLOA — CrossFit Poipu founder Aaron Hoff announced the return of the annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run for Saturday, Sept. 19.
Hoff launched the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail run in last year in his efforts to support the island’s troubled youth. The more than 300 participants included top CrossFit athletes from across the country and this year’s event promises to be even more successful.
The Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run features a 5K 10K and 10K team challenge. Proceeds from entry fees and donations go to CrossFit scholarships for Kauai’s kids.
The event’s course will run through the spectacular Knudsen Trust — 500 acres of privately owned land along the foothills of Kahili Mountain Park that is typically off-limits to the public. The exact course details will remain a secret until race day.
“Last year, we asked runners to carry sandbags along parts of the course,” Hoff said. “Just like any CrossFit workout, we’ll have some unexpected challenges that make it fun.”
Individual entry fees are $80 for the 5K and $85 for the 10K. The team challenge partners four participants and is $240, or $60 per person.
Prizes will also be awarded to top finishers. Participants are also welcome to post-event festivities following the run.
Born and raised on Kauai, Hoff became mixed up in recreational alcohol and drug use at a young age. After his third suicide attempt, Hoff finally checked himself into a treatment center. He has been involved in a 12-step program for the past 18 years.
Eventually he began working with Kauai Christian Fellowship and worked with kids who were part of the church’s youth group. Hoff found the most supportive, least judgmental audience to be Kauai’s keiki.
“Those kids will probably never really know how much they saved my life,” he said. Now sober almost 18 years, Hoff remains committed to helping kids in the island’s community stay on the right path.
In part due to funds raised during last year’s first Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run, Kauai Christian Fellowship is building a gym and community center — the KCF Youth and Sports Center. The gym will feature a basketball court, outdoor skate park and an expansive CrossFit gym to be overseen by Hoff and his Poipu CrossFit team.
“I am so grateful for the tremendous support of the community over the past year,” Hoff said. “The generosity of so many people, both with their time and donations, means we are able to build something truly beneficial for the island’s keiki.”
Equipment will be purchased by Hoff or secured through donations. With construction on track, Hoff and his team plan to the grand opening of the new facility on Sept. 1.
Info: www.crossfitpoipu.com
