15th Anniversary of The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon Sells Out For The First Time Ever and Records Made!
The sunrise was epic for the start of the 15th Anniversary of The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, September 1, 2024. The event sold out for the first time ever with 2,400 registered runners.
Runners from 49 States and 18 countries enjoyed the magic of the Garden Isle. The Aloha State was well represented with 1,021 local registrants 672 of whom were from Kauai. Additionally, there were 39 participants who ran the full or half marathon for the 15th year in a row.
The highlight of the day was when Poipu Resident Mathea Allansmith crossed the finish line of The 2024 Half Marathon and broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the oldest female in the world at 94 years old to finish a half marathon. She was ecstatic to complete this momentous milestone on her home course.
The overall performance of the day went to half marathon winner CJ Albertson from Fresno, CA. He completed the half marathon in an impressive 1:05:53 with second place finisher Tyler McCandless of Fort Collins, CO completing the half marathon course in 1:05:59. Third place went to Lucky Schreiner or Portand, OR with a time of 1:19:33.
The first-place finisher in the women’s field for the half marathon was Anna Benedettini of Kailua, HI at 1:20:47, followed by Lisa Migliorini of Novara, Italy with a time of 1:37:03. Third place was Kauai resident Dawn Worley finishing at 1:37:16.
Two Japanese runners from Japan ruled the full marathon course with the overall winner and female finisher Saki Shimada completing the race in 3:05:52 and overall male finisher, Seiya Waragai, clocking in at 3:11:14.
Kauai’s top finishers were Justin DeForge of Kapaa and Cheyenne Tilford of Lawai for the Full Marathon and Santiago Patino of Kilauea and Dawn Worley from Kilauea in the Half Marathon.
The 2024 event featured far more than the successful running of the Marathon and Half Marathon. The world class Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo provided a backdrop for runners to meet new friends, as well as partake in informative health and wellness seminars in the days leading up to the race. The Fun Run on Saturday morning brought runners together for a casual “shake out” morning adventure. And finally, the Eleventh Annual Keiki Run sponsored by Wilcox Health energized a sold-out event of keiki from the ages of 2 to 12 with exciting races at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.
Several sponsors made the event possible including Hawaii Tourism Authority, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai Coffee, Koloa Landing Resort, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, Nukumoi Surf Co., Wilcox Health, Puka Dog Elite Vacations, Holo Holo Charters and Alaska Airlines. Many other local businesses assisted by providing in-kind services, accommodations, and supplies for the medical tent.
The event was honored and privileged to have Kauai’s Hālau Ka Pā Hula O Hinano as part of this year’s race festivities. They shared their dedication to the perpetuation of their beloved Hawaiian culture through the sacred traditions of hula throughout the racecourse for this year’s event. They also were there to welcome participants at the start, and lei greet finishers with a medal at the finish line.
Over $7,000 was generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups volunteering for race day activities. Puuwai Canoe Club, Kalahelo Elementary School, Swim Kauai and The Koloa Early School are just a few.
For 2024 results and more information, visit www.thekauaimarathon.com.