If you’re looking for races to run, you have plenty of opportunities coming up.
And best, some wonderful causes to support.
Let’s start with the 5K Run and Walk on 7:30 a.m. March 23 at Hokuala Resort. This one is a benefit for Samaritan’s Purse, more specifically, to help raise money for Mike and Christina Ensman, longtime area coordinators of Operation Christmas Child on Kauai, a program operated by Samaritan’s Purse.
The Ensmans are raising funds to travel overseas and meet some of the children who receive the gift-filled shoeboxes courtesy of OCC. Mike and Christina have hearts of gold and donate hundreds of hours to this program. Last year, they led the drive that resulted in a record 3,432 boxes being donated and sent to children overseas who would otherwise receive little or nothing. Six years ago, that number was 700.
Samaritan’s Purse, in case you hadn’t heard, sent team members to Kauai to help with the recovery from the April flooding. Folks pitched in to help rebuild homes and give people hope where there was none.
Cost is $35 and you can register at www.eventbrite.com
Next, we have the fifth annual Bum Run on March 30, a colon cancer awareness event that raises money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Charity Walk, and the Kauai Humane Society.
This one is also at Hokuala Resort, is $30 for adults, $15 for those six to 17. There are 3K and 5K options, kids in strollers and dogs are leashes are welcome. Your registration includes Bum Run boxer shorts.
This race has in years past been at Poipu Bay Golf Course, so this is a new location.
Diann Hartman, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa spokeswoman, has been the inspiration behind this race. She was diagnosed with colon cancer nearly five years ago and continues to be a strong and active leader for cancer survivors.
Next comes the 5th annual Roots ‘n Shoot Run Fun.
This one is sponsored by National Tropical Botanical Garden and The Kauai Marathon on April 20 at McBryde Garden and Allerton Garden. All ages are invited to run, jog or walk the beautiful 5K course through the gardens while learning about the diverse surrounding scenery.
It is one of the most spectacular courses you will run. The Roots ‘n Shoots Fun Run will begin promptly at 8 a.m. near McBryde Garden’s Biodiversity Trail — a winding 800-foot path that showcases the evolution of Kauai plant life over the last 450 million years. Along the trail, runners and walkers will enjoy an array of scenery including a rainforest, golden bamboo grove, tropical fruit trees, the Lawai Stream and magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean.
There’s more.
All participants will receive a free gift and access to the silent auction and drawing. Plus, they can enjoy a post-race continental breakfast catered by Living Foods Gourmet Market and Café with coffee provided by Kauai Coffee Company.
Entry fees for registrations received by April 8 are $40 for adults and $30 for students. After April 8, entry fees are $50 for adults and $40 for students (16 and under). Proceeds from the fun run will benefit The Kauai Marathon’s associated charities. For more information or to register, visit thekauaimarathon.com.
And finally, in a long-awaited announcement, the Hanalei Canoe Club will hold its major fundraiser, the 39th annual Haena to Hanalei 8 mile run or walk, on June 29. It will include the usual one-mile youth run, a 5K and new this year, a half marathon.
This race was canceled last year due to the North Shore damage from the April flooding. It wasn’t a sure thing this year, either, but organizers worked closely with county and state agencies and the community to settle on a race date doable for everyone.
They pushed it back from its usual slot the first weekend in June, which should ensure Kuhio Highway and the bridge repairs are completed and things should go smoothly for runners, walkers and locals who live along the course.
This race has long been one of my favorites and is one of the best courses in the state. I’m delighted it’s back. It generally attracts about 500 runners and walkers and the breakfast and awards ceremony is a fun, spirited affair, and everyone hangs around for it.
Cost is $40 pre-registration for the eight-miler and 5K, $50 day of race, while the half marathon is $50 and $60 on race day. Info: hanaleicanoeclub.org
