Haena to Hanalei is a classy fun run

So the Boston Marathon is behind us and the Kauai Marathon is still ahead. In between, we’ve got some pretty good road races on Kauai. Such races are shorter than the 26.2-mile marathon, great ways to test your fitness level and more important, a good way to learn whether you might like — or take a strong dislike to — running. Fun runs can be the first step to a not-so-fun run like a marathon. They’re an inexpensive way to get a taste of the running world.

It’s why I encourage anyone remotely interested in walking or running to try the 34th annual Haena to Hanalei eight miler slated June 7 and put on by the Hanalei Canoe Club. I did this last year — my first race on Kauai — and found it to be pretty much spectacular. The scenery is unmatched, the people friendly, the services outstanding, and the awards and pancake breakfast afterwards a terrific cap to the morning. There are not many courses where you run right next to the ocean, plus you get to hoof it across all those one-lane bridges.

Participants are bused from parking near the Hanalei Pier to Kee Beach, where the race begins. Then, you race back on Kuhio Highway. Along the way, you’ll enjoy camaraderie of other runners and walkers, soak in some cheers from spectators (not a whole lot, but they’re there) and best of all, get your picture taken at the finish line, where you’re greeted victoriously by adoring friends and family. The sun is usually shining, too.

While I love this race, I won’t kid you about this course, though. The first four and a half miles are a test, with what seems to be one uphill after another, with Lumahai especially trying. It’s a bugger. But you’re rewarded with a nice downhill, then a flat sprint to the finish line.

Also, watch out for traffic. The highway is not closed. Most drivers are courteous and careful. Some are not and are a bit impatient. But organizers do a good job with traffic control on the bridges.

Another thing to note: You need to be an early riser for this race. There are free shuttle buses to the starting line in Haena, leaving the Hanalei Pier beginning at 4:45 a.m. Walkers should be at the pier at 4:45 to 5 a.m., runners should be at the pier 5:30 to 5:45 a.m., “at the latest!” This means, if you’re driving from Lihue, you should be on the road by 4:30 a.m.

There are also 5K and youth races, both of which begin and end at the pier. But I strongly recommend the 8 miler simply because it’s a rare opportunity to run on Kuhio Highway with hundreds of others, and many of Kauai’s top runners are there. Pierce Murphy, Island School grad who runs for the Buffaloes at the University of Colorado, has won this race three straight years and is expected to return to defend his title. Others like Nic Clark, Derrick Ledesma and Basil Scott will likely be there, too.

Here are some of the nuts and bolts you need to know for race day, with more detailed information available at www.hanaleicanoeclub.org:

Eight miler: Start time at Kee Beach, walkers go at 6, runners at 7.

The 5K and youth runs starts at 7 a.m. at the pier.

Entry fee and deadlines: $10 for kids 14 and under for the youth run. $35 for pre-registered 8-mile run/walk and 5K run, $45 on race day. The entry fee includes the pancake breakfast and a T-shirt. Mail entries by May 30. Online registration closes June 5. Race packet pickup and late registration is from 3-6 p.m. June 6 at the Hanalei Canoe Club or at the Hanalei Pier beginning at 4:45 a.m. on race day.

Awards to go male and female runners, first through third, in each age group.

Kudos to the Hanalei Canoe Club for putting on such this event, which really is on a world-class course. If you can, give it a try. Really, you’ll be glad you did. Haena to Hanalei is a wonderful road race for those who want to race, and those who want to walk, talk and enjoy the sights.

See you at the starting line — or the breakfast when we’re done running.

Information: 639-4048. Email: info@hanaleicanoeclub.org Website: www.hanaleicanoeclub.org