Complimentary Community Events Offered For The 2014 Kauai Marathon

The 2014 Kauai Marathon is hosting several complimentary events that are available to the community over the Labor Day weekend.   The Sports and Fitness Expo opens its doors at The Grand Hyatt Kauai Grand Ballroom at 10:00 am on Friday, August 29^th.  Logoed marathon merchandise, as well as several other active lifestyle vendors from Kauai, the outer islands as well as the Mainland will be on hand to share their products and services.

On Friday, veteran runner, Runner’s World Ambassador and Kauai Marathon Host Bart Yasso is available at the Expo from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm to sign autographs, discuss race strategies or simply talk story. “Ultra Marathon Man” Dean Karnazes and Kauai Marathon host will be at the Expo from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

There are also complimentary presentations that are open to the public and are located in Grand Ballroom 1 at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.  On Friday at 12:00 pm, Coach Gary Westlund, Founder and President of Charities Challenge, will be speaking about “Running Beyond Health Challenges.”  Bart Yasso will present “Never Limit Where Running Can Take You” at 1:00 pm and again at 5:00 pm. Julie Weiss, “Marathon Goddess” will speak at 2:00 pm about her “52 Marathons in 52 Weeks” adventure.  Meynard Enriquez MPT, physical therapist from Hawaii Sports and Balance Center will talk about “Biomechanical Considerations During Long Distance Running” at 4:00 pm.

Saturday is a very busy day beginning with the Fifth 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 Hosts Dean Karnazes and Bart Yasso.  The fun run is not a race and therefore it will not be timed. Please park in the designated event parking lot on the left at the end of Poipu Road.

Next, the Second Annual Kauai Marathon Keiki Run sponsored by Wilcox Health begins on the far west side of the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa at 9:00 am.   Registrations fees are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the race.  Each participant is guaranteed a medal and t-shirt if they pre register before August 25^th.  Late registration begins at 8:00 am on race day and the races start at 9:00 am.  There is a toddler trot 100-yard run for 2-4 year olds, a quarter-mile run for 5-7 year olds and a half-mile run for 8-12 year olds. Participants are encouraged to list their school on the entry form as the elementary school that brings in the most runners for the Keiki Run is going to receive a $500 donation.  To register for The Kauai Marathon Keiki Run, please visit www.kauaimarathon.com.

On Saturday, the Expo opens at 9:00 am providing walk in registrations until 4:00 pm. Bart Yasso will be available at the Expo from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for a “Meet and Greet” session followed by Dean Karnazes from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Saturday’s complimentary presentations in Grand Ballroom I begin at 11:00 am with Bart Yasso.  He will repeat his presentation on “Never Limit Where Running Can Take You.”  At noon Marathon Goddess Julie Weiss will discuss her 2012 adventure, “52 Marathons in 52 Weeks – The Journey.”  Coach Gary Westlund will be back at 1:00 pm for his presentation, “BRILLIANT! Why Runners and Race Walkers are Smarter than Everyone Else.”  Bart Yasso’s presentation at 2:00 pm is again “Never Limit Where Running Can Take You” followed by “Biomechanical Considerations During Long Distance Running” at 3:00 pm with prominent physical therapists from Kauai.

The Sixth Annual Kauai Marathon is going to be held on Sunday, August 31^st beginning at 6:00 am. The marathon and half-marathon 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 head up Koloa Road to the neighborhoods of Lawai and Kalaheo before heading back down to Poipu. The marathon finisher’s 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 28,2014 at 11:59 Pacific Standard Time. Race packets, bibs and participant bags must be picked up at the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Friday, August 29, 2014 or Saturday, August 30, 2014. For more information, or to register for this spectacular event, please visit www.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  tyzaconsulting@gmail.com at least seven days before the event.