Ok, here's the run down on all the races on Kauai. The amazing scenery and perfect weather make Kauai an ideal place for the avid runner and beginner alike. The Kauai Marathon, Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run and Heana to Hanalei are the classics, with other races being in their first few years of running.
There's still time to sign up for the Kauai Marathon or Half! Right now it looks like hurricane Lester is going to be passing to the north of Kauai on Sunday. I'm hoping we get just a little rain from the storm to cool things off. This race can be really hot, especially towards the end when running through sunny Poipu. This is the race to do on Kauai and definitely worth making a trip out for. This is an awesome event with a few thousand participants and a reputation at being one of the more difficult marathons around. It's worth it though to get the chance to run up through the tree tunnel and see the sunrise over Poipu for the beginning of the race. The festivities at the finish are great as well; All you can drink beer, food, Kauai Coffee and the best part: the massage you get at the finish overlooking the ocean. Come on down to the expo at the Hyatt today or Saturday, check it out and sign up!
CrossFit Ultimate Trail Run: 5k and 10k, Saturday September 17th 2016.
Alright, this is a tough one. Its a lot of fun if you like trail running and running up crazy steep hills. The trail gets pretty slippery and muddy with sections where you need to slide down or crawl up ropes. Definitely be ready to be out of breath for most of the race even if you're in excellent condition. In the pass two years they have you do the last stretch carrying a sand bag: 20 lbs for the ladies and 40 lbs for men. In the evening there is an awards ceremony Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu. Its right on the water with the ocean as the backdrop to the stage. Excellent food with all the Hawaiian staples. The first year they ran the race it was included in the race fee but now you have to pay extra, oh well... its just money! and some of it does go to help kids do CrossFit.
Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run 5k 10k and Half Marathon: Saturday November 12th 2016.
I love the feel of this event! This is a fun local race and is a pretty easy road race with not too many hills. Every year they always talk about how they're going to knock down the old Koloa sugar mill but they still haven't done anything about it. Island time I guess.
Alright, this is a tough one. Its a lot of fun if you like trail running and running up crazy steep hills. The trail gets pretty slippery and muddy with sections where you need to slide down or crawl up ropes. Definitely be ready to be out of breath for most of the race even if you're in excellent condition. In the pass two years they have you do the last stretch carrying a sand bag: 20 lbs for the ladies and 40 lbs for men. In the evening there is an awards ceremony Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Poipu. Its right on the water with the ocean as the backdrop to the stage. Excellent food with all the Hawaiian staples. The first year they ran the race it was included in the race fee but now you have to pay extra, oh well... its just money! and some of it does go to help kids do CrossFit.
Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run 5k 10k and Half Marathon: Saturday November 12th 2016.
I love the feel of this event! This is a fun local race and is a pretty easy road race with not too many hills. Every year they always talk about how they're going to knock down the old Koloa sugar mill but they still haven't done anything about it. Island time I guess.
Make plans for next year!
Roots n Shoots 5k fun run: First Saturday in April.
Definitely one of the best 5k courses I've ever done! The race is in Allerton and McBryde National Botanical Gardens (the largest in the State). They shuttle you into the back of the gardens for the race which includes admission to the gardens for the whole day. The race starts with a few hundred yards of pretty steep uphill running on a winding sidewall then its all downhill. Most of the race is on a gravel road in the shade along the river, looping out to the beautiful beach and back. At the finish there's Kauai Coffee and a nice silent auction. Plan on doing brunch afterwards, the quarter Costco bagel, fruit and yogurt don't really cut it. La Spezia or Tortilla Republic are close by for a good brunch to celebrate.
Heana to Hanalei 8 Miler: First Saturday in June.
2017 will be 37th year running of the race. Best meal out of all the races! (I'd stop by even if I wasn't running $7 for nonparticipants). The race includes an awesome all you can eat pancake breakfast with fruit, portuguese sausage, eggs and Kauai Coffee. This beautiful course starts at the very end of the road on the North Shore which they shuttle everyone to since they close the road. You have to show up early or you can camp in Hanalei at the park by the pier so you'll be right beside the shuttle pick up and finish line.
2017 will be 37th year running of the race. Best meal out of all the races! (I'd stop by even if I wasn't running $7 for nonparticipants). The race includes an awesome all you can eat pancake breakfast with fruit, portuguese sausage, eggs and Kauai Coffee. This beautiful course starts at the very end of the road on the North Shore which they shuttle everyone to since they close the road. You have to show up early or you can camp in Hanalei at the park by the pier so you'll be right beside the shuttle pick up and finish line.
Koloa Plantation Days Race 5k ,10k, 10 miler and keiki 1 mile fun run: End of July.
Its put on by Kukui'ula Outrigger Canoe Club. Its on Sunday of the closing weekend of Plantation day's. Great event that's on the small size with most of the course being oceanfront around Poipu.
Its put on by Kukui'ula Outrigger Canoe Club. Its on Sunday of the closing weekend of Plantation day's. Great event that's on the small size with most of the course being oceanfront around Poipu.
