Kauai, HI – The 16th Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon kicked off with a breathtaking sunrise on Sunday, August 31, 2025, welcoming nearly 2,300 registered runners from 48 U.S. states and 18 countries. The event, which nearly sold out, showcased the stunning beauty of the Garden Isle, with 992 local participants including 634 from Kauai. Notably, 27 dedicated runners completed either the full or half marathon for the 16th consecutive year.
Race Highlights
Half Marathon Results:
- Men’s Division: Tyler McCandless from Fort Collins, CO, claimed first place with an impressive time (1:06:52), followed by Ben Payne from Honolulu, HI (1:13:02), and Noah Perkins from Brandon, FL (1:19:07).
- Women’s Division: Laurel Carpenter from Miami Beach, FL won the race (1:25:40), followed by Tara Kaur from Sedona, AZ (1:27:46), and Becca Taylor from Phoenix, AZ (1:31:33).
Full Marathon Results:
- Overall Champion: Toa Ota from Japan finished first with a time of 2:43:38. Dan Crevier from Kihei, HI (3:07:13) was second and third was Paul Wells from Plano, TX (3:07:45).
- Women’s Division: Steph Bruce from Flagstaff, AZ, took the women’s title (2:48:20), followed closely by Kana Numata from Japan (2:53:08). Third place was Jacqueline Barrientes from Honolulu, HI (3:34:35)
Local Kauai Standouts:
- Full Marathon: Koa Kam (Lihue) and Bethanne Kapansky Wright (Kilauea).
- Half Marathon: Santiago Patino (Kapaa) and Dawn Worley (Kilauea).
Beyond the Race
The 16th Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon offered more than just a race. The Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo provided opportunities for runners to connect, attend health and wellness seminars, and prepare for race day. The Saturday Fun Run fostered camaraderie with a relaxed “shake out” run, while the 12th Annual Keiki Run, sponsored by Wilcox Health, energized young participants aged 2–12 with exciting races at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.
Cultural and Community Impact
The event was enriched by the participation of Kauai’s Hālau Ka Pā Hula O Hinano, who shared the spirit of Hawaiian culture through hula performances along the racecourse. They welcomed runners at the start and presented finishers with medals and lei at the finish line.
Over $7,000 was donated to local nonprofit organizations, including Puuwai Canoe Club, Kalahelo Elementary School, Swim Kauai, and The Koloa Early School for their volunteer efforts on race day.
Sponsors and Support
The event’s success was made possible by key sponsors including the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai Coffee, Koloa Landing Resort, Brennecke’s Beach Broiler, Nukumoi Surf Co., Wilcox Health, Blue Dolphin Charters, Puka Dog, Elite Vacations, Holo Holo Charters, and Alaska Airlines. Additional local businesses provided in-kind support, accommodations, and supplies for the medical tent.