Aloha!
Each year, as the summer months speed by in a blur in anticipation of the Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon, our goal is always the same…to put on a world class and safe event that showcases the Garden Isle to over 2,000 participants.
We couldn’t have been more proud as racers toed the line last weekend. The weather was ideal, the new start line was energized with emcee JT Service and runners were off on time! The new finish line provided the perfect location to gather and celebrate on the stunning grounds with a beautiful ocean front setting at the Koloa Landing Resort. The positive feedback that we received on the finish line change was awesome!
I want to extend a big congratulations to the top runners who were extraordinary at this year’s event. Michael Wardian of Arlington, Virginia dominated the men’s field while Bree Wee of Kailua-Kona Hawaii impressed the crowd coming in second overall and champion for the women’s division. For the Half Marathon, Tyler McCandless of Boulder, Colorado cruised to a fourth straight victory on the men’s side, breaking his own course record, while Lauren Tippets of Pescadero, California regained her title winning her fourth half marathon.
Other festivities throughout the race week included the Keiki Run, sponsored by Wilcox Health. Watching 150 children chase a giant chicken around the Grand Hyatt’s oceanfront lawn is always an enjoyable spectacle eliciting both laughter and some of the weekend’s fiercest competition. Wilcox Health also sponsored the Sports and Fitness Expo, another highlight of the week offering participants the latest in gear and nutrition as well as access to the running community and personalities.
Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank our extraordinary sponsors, volunteers, paid staff, friends and family, timing crew, on-course entertainment, Kauai Police Department, medical team, expo vendors, local spectators, and YOU, the participants who inspire us all.
We hope that you celebrate with us next year as we gear up for our 10-year anniversary on September 2, 2018!
Aloha,
Jeff Sacchini, The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon Race Founder