Second Annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run Announced– September 19, 2015

Top Crossfit athletes and outdoor fitness enthusiasts take on Kauai’s beautiful terrain to support Kauai’s youth.

Following the phenomenal success of last year’s event, CrossFit Poipu founder Aaron Hoff announces the 2nd Annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run, September 19, 2015. A recovering substance abuser clean for nearly 18 years, Hoff launched the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail run in 2014 in his continued efforts to support the island’s troubled youth. Drawing over 300 participants in 2014, including top Crossfit athletes from across the country such as Dan Bailey, Matt Chan, Shane Dorian, Miranda Oldroyd, Chris Spealler, and many others, this year’s event promises to be even more successful. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Kauai’s dramatic topography, the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run features a 5K, 10K and 10K Team challenge, with 100% of the profits from entry fees and donations directly going to Crossfit scholarships for Kauai’s kids.

Helping Kauai Keiki

Born and raised on Kauai, Aaron Hoff became mixed up in recreational alcohol and drug use at a young age – a story that Hoff says is all too familiar on Kauai. From breaking into cars and smoking marijuana in elementary school, he moved on to acid and cocaine in high school. His life quickly spiraled out of control when he first tried meth and was instantly addicted. After his third suicide attempt, Hoff finally checked himself into a treatment center. He has been involved in a 12-step program for the past 18 years; eventually he began working with Kauai Christian Fellowship, working with kids who were part of the church’s youth group. Hoff found the most supportive, least judgmental audience to be Kauai’s keiki, saying, “Those kids will probably never really know how much they saved my life.

Now 41 years old and sober almost 18 years, Hoff remains committed to helping kids in the island’s community stay on the right path. With CrossFit’s approach strongly tied to community spirit, Hoff saw getting Kauai’s kids involved in CrossFit classes as a natural fit. Today, Hoff offers kid-dedicated, CrossFit Groms classes every Monday and Wednesday. If young participants are eager to join but the monthly fee is a stretch financially, Hoff only asks parents to pay what they can afford – he won’t turn any kid away.

He often buys new gear or shoes for kids when he sees they’re worn out. Hoff launched the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run to directly benefit Kauai’s youth. In efforts to keep them inspired and dedicated to CrossFit, all profits from the Trail Run are directed towards kids’ CrossFit scholarships, to include free monthly memberships, sneakers, jump ropes and other Crossfit gear.

My dream is to offer another outlet for kids on the island – one that’s positive and builds self-confidence. I want to get into those kids lives before they start drifting off.

In part due to funds raised during last year’s first Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run, Kauai Christian Fellowship is building a massive gym and community center – the KCF Youth & Sports Center (aka “The Gym”). The Gym will feature a basketball court, outdoor skate park and, and expansive Crossfit gym to be overseen by Hoff and his Poipu Crossfit team. “I am so grateful for the tremendous support of the community over the past year,” says Hoff. “The generosity of so many people – both with their time and donations – means we are able to build something truly beneficial for the island’s keiki.” Equipment will be purchased by Hoff himself or secured through donations. With construction on track, Hoff and his team will celebrate the grand opening of the new facility on September 1.

A Memorable Run in an Unparalleled Setting

A special feature this year, the Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run course will run through the spectacular Knudsen Trust, 500 acres of pristine, privately owned land along the foothills of Kahili Mountain Park – land that is typically off-limits to the public. The exact course details will remain a secret until the day of the event. “Last year, we asked runners to carry sandbags along parts of the course,” says Hoff. “Just like any Crossfit workout, we’ll have some unexpected challenges that make it fun.” Individual entry fees are $80 for the 5K and $85 for the 10K. The Team Challenge partners 4 participants and is $240 ($60 per person). Along with bragging rights, prizes will also be awarded to top finishers. All participants are also welcomed to post-event festivities following the Trail Run. To date, returning event sponsors include CrossFit and Progenix. Added to the mix for 2015, Mammoth Bars. a San Francisco Bay Area company that produces certifiably delicious protein bars that are 100% organic and Paleo-friendly.

For more about CrossFit Poipu and Aaron Hoff’s story, visit: www.crossfitpoipu.com.

For more about the 2nd Annual Ultimate Hawaiian Trail Run or to register, visit www.crossfitpoipu.com/events/