Aloha!
Congratulations on finishing a very wet and humid year! It was really great to resume our full and half marathon after missing two consecutive years because of COVID and being 3 years since our last event. In many ways it was like putting the race on for the first time. But it felt like we picked up right where we left off!! Long time Race Director, Bob Craver, could not make this year’s festivities as our Race Director. He announced his retirement earlier this year and that this would be his last year. He ended up missing this year’s event unfortunately due to personal reasons. He worked so passionately throughout the years to give all of the participants the best experience he could with his attention to detail, his dedication, and his love for Kauai. Thank you for helping us achieve all of the accolades this world-class event has received since 2009. Bob, you were missed this year, but you did a great job of helping with the transition to new leadership! A big thank you for all that you did for The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon and the community!
We executed flawlessly this year with new Co-Race Directors, JT Service and Robin Jumper. Both of whom have had their DNA all over this event since its inception. We are in really good, capable hands with these two veterans leading the charge in the future!
The food at the start and finish this year was modified due to the post COVID environment. We tried to be even more mindful around safety and cleanliness this year given what has changed. All of the food was individually wrapped, and it seemed to be well received!
We had a shipping and logistics snafu this year with our merchandise. A container got held up in LA and really put a damper on the ability to inventory and merchandise the quantity of SKU’s and variety we had hoped. We will keep you updated as we get information on the container in the coming days and about how to order online the merchandise that was missing from the sports and fitness expo.
We appreciate all of your positive comments and compliments about this year’s festivities. We also appreciate the constructive feedback on how we can improve your experience. We listen and will be making some minor tweaks for next year based on your feedback to enhance the overall experience for all of you!
Please spread the word in your communities about our little race in paradise. There’s a reason we have received accolades from Red Bull, Runner’s World and Men’s Health – it’s the participant’s aloha spirit, the beauty of Kauai, the organization, the local charities, and the local community support on the course that makes this event so unique and special. Of course, we have some of the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes anywhere in the world and that helps too!
A big MAHALO to the County of Kauai for the outstanding condition of the roadways. Most of the full and half road courses were recently upgraded and repaved and it really made for a safe and beautiful running experience for everyone! Mahalo nui loa to all of our sponsors that have supported our event for so many years. We couldn’t put on the race without them.
Good luck training for the 2023 Kauai Marathon (September 3rd) and we hope to see many of you back on the most beautiful island in the world next year!
Warmest aloha,
Jeff and Liz Sacchini