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Michael Wardian Returns to Hawaii's Kauai Marathon and the $15,000 Speed Challenge
From the Running USA wireJuly 21, 2011; updated 8/18/11
For the second year, the $15,000 Speed Challenge will be offered at the Kauai Marathon, on Sunday, September 4 in Poipu on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Male and female runners who complete the marathon in under 2:30 for men and 2:45:00 for women will split the prize money. Last year's winner, Michael Wardian of Arlington, VA, missed the Speed Challenge bonus by only 52 seconds, and will return this year to defend his title as well as run for a share of the $15,000 purse. Wardian recently placed third (26:22:01) in the 135-mile Badwater Ultramarathon held July 11-13 in California's desert, and won the San Francisco Marathon on July 31 (2:27:06). On June 18, he qualified for his third U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon with a personal best 2:17:40 (13th male) at Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. In the Kauai Marathon, he will have to contend with Tyler McCandless, 24, of Boulder, CO who placed 11th (2:17:09) in Grandma's Marathon men's race.
Wardian and McCandless will be under pressure from a group of U.S.-based Kenyan athletes competing for the Duma Runner's Club. David Tuwei has a 2:13:44 marathon personal best (2008 Grandma's Marathon); Richard Kandie, with a best of 2:22:24 (2008 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon), was the early front-runner in last year's Kauai Marathon but failed to finish; and James Boit has a best of 2:15:15 (2010 Cellcom Green Bay Marathon).
In the women's race, Ezzhani Nazha, 33, of Morocco has the fastest seed time in the race with a personal best of 2:35:23. Rumi Otani, winner of the 2011 Iwaki City Sunshine Marathon in Japan, will challenge her. And Becki Lassley of Littleton, CO will defend her 2010 Kauai Marathon title (3:23:46).
Named the race of the month by Runner's World magazine in 2010, the Kauai Marathon is known for its challenging course, spectacular scenery and amazing Kauai hospitality plus renowned hosts ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes and running ambassador Bart Yasso. Both will be available at the event's Expo at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, as well as at the Fun Run and Expert Panel Discussion on Saturday, September 3.
Bart Yasso states, "The most rewarding part of The Kauai Marathon is that when you finish, you are still on the beautiful Garden Isle."
There is talk about the challenges of the hills, humidity and heat. 2010 race champion Michael Wardian commented, "Some sections of the course that I am looking forward to are the torch light start, running through the tunnel of trees and up the climbs in the later half of the race with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains along the way."
The full, half and new relay marathon USATF/AIMS certified courses begin in Poipu and run the first 11 miles together. The courses travel up through the 100-year-old Tree Tunnel, which offers spectacular views of Kauai's breathtaking mountains. After runners make their way down Highway 50 and Omao Road, the half-marathon course enters Kukui'ula Resort with spectacular ocean views during the final miles. The full marathon heads out to the neighborhoods of Lawai and Kalaheo before heading down a gradual decent back into Poipu.
Upon completion of the event, all finishers are lei greeted with a commemorative medallion. From 8:00 am to 1:30 pm, the Kauai Marathon and Sheraton Kauai Resort host the party and awards ceremony. Live local entertainment, ice-cold beer and plenty of food are provided for the runners. This year's after party is at Kalapaki Joe's in Poipu, which will include live music and amazing drink specials.
Race organizers expect a great event with incredible support from national and local corporate sponsorships. Ultima will be providing the electrolyte replenishment drinks at all aid stations, while Kauai companies Holo Holo Boat Charters, Kauai Coffee and the County of Kauai have generously partnered with the event.
To register or to learn more, see www.thekauaimarathon.com. Online registration closes on Tuesday, August 30 at 11:59 Pacific Standard Time.