In the six years I have run the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon, I have found a lot of reasons to love this event. There are been many highlights, and low-lights, too, but as race day closes in on Sunday, here’s 10 reasons, and a few more, that make this one of the best runs in the country.
The training: Getting ready to run either 13.1 miles or 26.2 miles gives you focus. You become sharper. You have a clear purpose. As you progress, as times come down and pounds come off, there is a sense of satisfaction.
The start: How cool is it to be standing in the darkness on Poipu Road in front of the Poipu Shopping Village waiting and ready to go. The music, the blessing, the torches, the countdown, it’s all part of the magic.
The spirit: It feels good just to be part of this wave of happy people. The vibes are excellent. There is an awareness you are about to share a wonderful journey with 2,000 friends. You are connected by the miles.
The volunteers: These folks are the unheralded heroes. Sure, they hand out water and energy drinks on race day, but they do so much more. They cheer, they encourage, they make runners feel like they’re Olympic champions. They keep us going when we would rather stop and talk story.
The spectators: They don’t have to come out of their homes on race day, but hundreds do. The stretch through Omao is a highlight. And for marathoners, spectators are key to getting us up and over all those hills of Lawai and Kalaheo. It can be lonely out there at times.
The course: While beautiful scenery abounds, the Tree Tunnel is an awesome place to be as the sun is rising and casting shadows across the road. You can’t help but look around and think, “I’m lucky to be here.” The downhill stretch through Omao is pure joy. Lovely homes, lovely people. And yes, the hills faced by the full marathoners are a bugger, and the long climb up them can be draining and exhausting, but there’s a pride in knowing you are conquering one of the toughest courses in the world.
The runners: You will not find a crabby person running the marathon or half marathon (well, at least in the early miles). Optimism and positive energy, only. No stink eye. No glares. High hopes and enthusiasm rule. Everyone is excited on race morning. Everyone is your friend.
The finish line: What’s not to like about finishing next to the ocean, your name being called out by Ron Wiley and a medal being placed around our neck by beautiful people? Nothing. This is one of the best finish lines in the world.
The party: Again, one of the best. Food, drink, music, awards, conversation, celebration. Did I mention free beer? They go all out and it shows. I’ve been to finish line parties held in expo halls with chairs and tables and your after-race feast included bananas and Gatorade. This one at the Koloa Landing Resort with ocean views simply can’t be beat. You hate to leave.
The next day: You’ve had time to review how your race went, the good, the bad, the ugly. The next day, you vow to return to do it all again next year. Better, faster, stronger. At least, that is the plan. Best of all, we believe it.
By the way, if you need more convincing the Kauai Marathon is the one to run, consider what some others have said about it:
• Lace up for a run through paradise. Kauai, also known as the “Garden Island” of Hawaii, is almost too beautiful to be real, with a full spectrum of colors bursting at every turn. This marathon begins in a resort community before veering through gorgeous island coastline where you’ll see awe-inspiring views of beaches, volcanic peaks, and tropical rainforests. You’ll appreciate the shade that the century-old Tunnel of Trees has to offer just before you challenge yourself on steeper inclines that reward you with spectacular turquoise ocean views. Bask in an island welcome as you finish your course at Poipu Beach. — Strong Fitness Magazine
• The island of Kauai is truly in a league of its own. As the fourth largest island of Hawaii, Kauai is often referred to as “the Garden Isle” thanks to its lush rainforests and dramatic sea cliffs that line the infamous Napali coast. Running this course might mean sore calves, but it’s a fair trade-off for the stunning views. Prepare to high-five hula dancers on your way to the Poipu Beach finish line while local musicians cheer you on with on-course entertainment. End your weekend with a traditional-style luau, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a beach vacation. — PureWow
• If you’ve always fancied holidaying in Hawaii, this is your perfect excuse. Starting on Poipu Beach on the South shore of Kauai, runners make their way along the coastline, through the ‘Tunnel of Trees’, onto Omao and out to Lawai, before climbing to the top of Kalaheo. Climbing 662m of elevation in relentless sunshine, it’s not for the faint-hearted – but it’s hard to complain when you’re surrounded by green tropical rain forests, volcanic peaks and white beaches. With hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes to keep you entertained en route, and a beach party at the finish, it’s hard to imagine a better way to experience Hawaii. — Red Bull
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Bill Buley is editor-in-chief of The Garden Island. He can be reached at bbuley@thegardenisland.com
