Ask what many runners really like about the Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run. You might think the scenic half-marathon course. Maybe that there are three race distances. Or there’s breakfast and awards after. Could be the camaraderie and spirit. Sure,
Ask what many runners really like about the Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run.
You might think the scenic half-marathon course. Maybe that there are three race distances. Or there’s breakfast and awards after. Could be the camaraderie and spirit.
Sure, all of those are good reasons to participate. But one question often asked of organizers is this: Are there medals?
“It’s amazing how many people ask that question,” said Dick Olson, assistant race director.
Whether they can earn a medal is often a top concern for those looking to run in the race and will determine whether they sign up.
And in case you were wondering, yes, there are medals in the Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run, for age group winners and to all half marathon finishers. So if it’s a medal you want one, sign up for the 13.1-mile race and go the distance, or run fast in the 10K or 5K.
“That’a big thing,” said race director Tom Lodico.
The Rotary Club of Kauai’s 15th annual Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run is set for Nov. 11 at Anne Knudsen Park, Junction Maluhia (Route 520) and Emi roads. It is billed as Kauai’s premier 5k, 10k, half marathon runs, and non-competitive 5k walk.
About 500 runners are expected.
The half marathon will start at 7 a.m..; the 5K run and walk will start at 7:15, and, the 10K run will start at 7:30. The run will include a breakfast and microfiber T-shirt.
Breakfast will be served as the first finishers arrive at about 8. The winners will be announced about 9:30. Awards will go to overall male and female finishers.
Proceeds go toward local scholarships for Kauai Community College students, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and other projects.
“What we earn off it goes back to the community,” Olson said.
He said register was down about 10 percent last year, but so far this year, early registration is up about 15 percent.
Organizers have seen a rise in families participating, and about 30 percent of the field comes from the Mainland, with many of those focusing on the half marathon.
The 5K is the most popular choice, followed by the 10K and the half.
The Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run is also considered by serious runners a great training run and fitness test for the Honolulu Marathon on Dec. 10.
While the shorter races are on the Koloa Bypass Road, the half includes a more scenic route through Poipu with ocean views. A few years ago, a magazine gave the 13.1-mile course a glowing plug for its spectacular scenery.
Lodico has been director of the race since the rotary club took it over 11 years ago. He said the best part is seeing the families running together, and then enjoying the breakfast afterward.
The hardest part?
All the logistics it takes to pull three race distance together on the same day.
“But we have a good team of people to do that,” Lodico said, smiling. “We tend to have it down now.”
The race has run smoothly over the years. There have been some past hiccups, like the year a race leader turned too early onto the Bypass Road in the half marathon and didn’t run the full distance while running what first appeared to be a course record.
Or the year a woman signed up for the 10K, switched to the 5K without telling anyone, and ended up being given credit for a fast 10K time and winning a medal in her age division.
“Boy, I really did good,” Lodico recalled her saying. “But I don’t think I did that good.”
Turns out, she didn’t.
Later, the timing issue straightened out, the woman, called to apologize for receiving a medal that should have gone to someone else.
Locido said he still teases her about it.
“But the race generally goes off great,” he said.
This event is made possible by the Wilcox Health with additional support from DuPont Pioneer, the County of Kauai, HMSA, and other sponsors.
It takes about 40 volunteers to put on the race and more are needed.
Olson encourages people to come and run, have fun, and support the community.
Registration for the half marathon is $40 at www.Active.com (search: old koloa sugar mill run). Registration for the 10K and 5K runs is $30 until Oct. 31. Late registration for the 10K and 5K runs (Nov. 1 to Nov. 9) is $35. Late registration for all runs (Nov. 10) is $40 at Kukui Grove Shopping center. There is no race day registration.
Race packet pickup is on Friday, Nov. 10 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at the Kukui Grove Shopping Mall, exhibit area behind Starbucks. Professional timing by JTL Timing who provides an individual time card to each runner at the end of the run. Infowww.oldkoloasugarmillrun.org.
