The 2016 Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon is excited to announce several events and activities that are available to the community over Labor Day weekend. Whether you are participating in the race or just want to be part of the festivities, there is an array of options for residents and visitors of all ages.
Friday, September 2
The Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo opens its doors at The Grand Hyatt Kauai Grand Ballroom at 10:00 am on Friday, September 2nd. Race packet pickup and last minute registrations are available until 6pm. Awesome Marathon logo merchandise is available alongside several other active lifestyle vendors from Kauai, Hawaii, and the Mainland on hand to share their products and services.
Veteran runner, Runner’s World Ambassador and Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon Host Bart Yasso is speaking at 2pm Friday, sharing the lessons he has learned with wisdom and insights on his racing adventures. He is also available at the Expo from 3 pm to 4 pm to sign autographs, discuss race strategies, or simply talk story. This is an amazing opportunity to meet a legend in the running community.
Past Kauai Marathon Champion Tyler McCandless delivers a presentation at 2pm on The Kauai Marathon Youth Running Program and information on Saturday’s Keiki Run. This takes place at the Kauai Coffee booth at the entrance to the Sports and Fitness Expo.
There are other complimentary presentations that are open to the public in Grand Ballroom 1 at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. Kauai Physicians, Health Specialists and athletes are on hand to discuss ocean safety, hydration, stroke rehab and so much more. For a full list of presentations please click here.
The Flavors of Kukui’ula featuring Rumba de Fuego is at The Shops at Kukui’ula from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. This is a sampler’s paradise where guests can purchase culinary treats “street food” style from a variety of fine restaurants while enjoying outdoor beer & wine gardens, shopping specials and great live local entertainment. For more information, please visit The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Friday and Saturday evenings are capped off with a Prix Fixe Marathon Menu hosted by Brennecke’s Beach Broiler located at Poipu Beach. Fuel up for the big race with Crispy Coconut Shrimp or Fresh Organic Kauai Grown Arugula followed by your choice of Mushroom and Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Braised Beef Short Ribs or Sautéed Mahi Mahi! Finish the evening with delectable Fresh Strawberry Shortcake. The spectacular Prix Fixe menu costs $35.99. Visit www.brenneckes.com to make your reservation as there is limited seating.
Saturday, September 3
Saturday is a very busy day kicking off with the Seventh Annual Fun Run at 7:30 am. The Fun Run begins at the end of Poipu Road, just past the Grand Hyatt Kauai. This is a 3-mile run that is lead by marathon Host Bart Yasso and Kauai Marathon champion Tyler McCandless. The fun run is not a race and therefore will not be timed. Please park in the designated event parking lot on the left at the end of Poipu Road. This event is free and open to the public.
Next, the Fourth Annual Kauai Marathon Keiki Run presented by Wilcox Health begins on the far west side of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa at 9:00 am. Registrations fees are $15 prior to August 29th and $20 thereafter. Each participant is guaranteed a medal and t-shirt if they pre-register before August 29th. On-site registration begins at 8:00 am on race day and the races start at 9:00 am. There is a 100-yard toddler trot for 2-4 year olds, a quarter-mile run for 5-7 year olds and a half-mile run for 8-12 year olds. To register for The Kauai Marathon Keiki Run, please visit thekauaimarathon.com.
The Sports and Fitness Expo continues Saturday opening at 9:00 am, providing walk-in registrations and race packet pick-up until 4:00 pm. Marathon Host Bart Yasso is available at the Expo from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for a “Meet and Greet” session, followed by a presentation at 1pm.
Saturday’s complimentary presentations in Grand Ballroom I begin at 10am with Dr. Carl Yu who will discuss healthy snacks for keiki. He is followed up by Dr. David Della who will discuss Urgent Care versus going to the Emergency Room. Other presentations are scheduled throughout the day. For a full list please click here.
Sunday, September 4
Finally, the main event! The Eighth Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 4th beginning at 6:00 am. Both events begin on Poipu Road in front of the Poipu Shopping Village. The first 11 miles are run together before the half marathoners veer off into Kukui’ula Resort to their oceanfront finish while the marathoners continue up Koloa Road to the neighborhoods of Lawai and Kalaheo before heading back down to Poipu. The marathon finishers’ party and awards ceremony is located on the ocean front lawn at The Sheraton Kauai Resort beginning at 8:00am. Race participants as well as supporters can enjoy food, refreshments and live entertainment until the early afternoon. The online registration deadline for this world-renowned event is fast approaching, ending on August 31st at 11:59 Pacific Standard Time.
Monday, September 5
Last but not least, the final event of the 8th Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon extravaganza is the Auli’i Luau at the Sheraton Kauai Resort on Monday, September 5th beginning at 5:30pm. Race participants are encouraged to experience Kauai’s only oceanfront Luau that includes a scrumptious island buffet, as well as an exciting Polynesian Review. Reservations for the special Monday night Luau can be made at www.auliiluau.com/deals/ with a 15% discount using promo code KM15.
For more information, or to register for this spectacular event, please visit thekauaimarathon.com. If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, please contact Robin Jumper at 808-635-3053 or [email protected] at least seven days before the event.