The 6th Annual Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon featured over 1,800 participants and over 130 youth runners in the 2nd Annual Keiki Run sponsored by Wilcox Health. The Aloha State was well represented with 921 local registrants of whom 651 were from Kauai, the most ever. Runners from 43 States and 16 countries enjoyed the magic of the Garden of Isle. Additionally, there were 67 participants who ran the full or half marathon for the 6th year in a row.
The performance of the day went to Nicole Chyr, 36, of Englewood, CO who won the Full Marathon in 3:00:24. She was followed by the top male finisher, Goya Hidemasa of Japan who clocked in at 3:01:30. Chyr, sponsored by Newton Running stated, “The Kauai Marathon is no joke of a race but one of my favorites! Not just because it’s in Hawaii, but because of the tremendous support you receive along the entire course. Congratulations to every runner who raced today, and thank you to all the volunteers and staff who cheer us on and make this a great event.”
The second place finisher in the men’s field for the Full Marathon was Bobby Niska of Wheaton, IL with a time of 3:04:29 and third place went to Hiroyuki Makino of Japan who was close behind at 3:08:30. The women’s race was dominated by Chyr who was followed by Kaitlin Borror of Long Island City, NY who finished at 3:31:14. Third place went to Amanda Kavingian of Arlington, MA completing the race in 3:33:49.
Tyler McCandless, 27, from Boulder CO, won the Half Marathon smashing the course record with a time of 1:07:17. McCandless, also sponsored by Newton Running, shared the excitement of his victory. “It was an honor to win the Kauai Half Marathon this year and although I did not achieve my goal of breaking 1:05, I put every ounce of energy I had out on the course. I’m very proud to say that I’ve helped raise several thousand dollars, which will all be used on island for The Kauai Marathon Youth Running Program to empower kids to exercise, be healthy and most importantly, be happy.”
Second place in the Half Marathon went to Rich Hanna of Sacramento, CA crushing the age 50-54 course record at 1:16:49. Third place went to JT Service of Santa Cruz, CA crossing the finish line in 1:23:25. Service was the Marathon Champion of the Innagural Kauai Marathon in 2009.
Lauren Tippets, 29 of Los Altos, CA led the women’s Half Marathon field with a time of 1:26:53. Sarah Vitug of Los Angeles, CA was second at 1:33:17 and Kauai resident Brooke Sugahara was third finishing with a time of 1:35:59.
Kauai’s top finishers were Derrick Ledesma and Jennifer Tone for the Full Marathon and Joseph Kali and Brooke Sugahara for the Half Marathon.
The 2014 event featured far more than the successful running of the Marathon and Half Marathon. The world class Sports and Fitness Expo provided a backdrop for runners to meet several running celebrities, as well as informative health and wellness seminars. The Fun Run on Saturday morning brought runners together for a casual “shake out” morning adventure. And finally, the Second Annual Keiki Run sponsored by Wilcox Health energized over 135 children from the ages of 2 to 12 with exciting races at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa.
Endurance sports celebrity Dean Karnazes and Runner’s World’s Chief Running Officer Bart Yasso were both on hand for the week’s festivities handing out tips and inspiration to all the runners. Yasso believes the event is one of the best because of the accessibility to his fellow running community through the Expo, pre race fun run and the finish line party. He loves the personal connections he makes and always looks forward to meeting the people of Kauai.
Several sponsors made the event possible including: County of Kauai, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Kauai Visitors Bureau, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Kauai Coffee, The Parrish Collection Kauai, Wilcox Health, Kauai Heritage Properties, Tortilla Republic, Cardno, Living Foods Gourmet Market and Cafe and Poipu Beach Resort Association. Many other local businesses assisted by providing volunteer lunches, accommodations and supplies for the medical tent.
Over $7,000 was generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups volunteering for race day activities. Niumalu Canoe Club, Kalaheo Elementary School, Koloa Elementary School, and the Waimea High School Project Grad are just a few.
For 2014 results and more information, visit www.thekauaimarathon.com.
Photo Credits: Tony LeHoven, www.tvjuice.com.
Release provided by Robin Jumper.