This is a fairly newer annual race that recently started compared to the Honolulu Marathon . It…read morestarts at Thomas Square and ends up in the same place for the Finish Line. It's usually at the end of February/early March. How long is it? It's a 10K so you see people do all ages and fit levels doing the race. The vibe for this race is nice since because of the varied runners and the course. I think it's a pretty race since you run through Kakaako Waterfront Park, Ala Moana Beach Park and see the murals ins Kakaako. I enjoy running the race since it's mostly flat, not too long and has beautiful views. No malasada at the end but they usually have juice, bananas and some sweet treats! ******** King's Runner 10K Run or walk, it's up to you Do it for your health!

The 2020 King's Runner 10k was a better race because they had Banan, macadamia nuts and cold…read morepressed pineapple juice at the finish line that every runner that finished was able to receive; they also had a live band playing too. I had more fun at the finish line in 2020. This year, 2022 was bare minimum; get your snack, self serve water and leave at the finish line. Honolulu Marathon Association is cheaper and greedier with their races. I am glad that in-person races are back because nothing is like the community of runners/walkers getting together to do a race. There were about 3,000 runners/walkers/strollers participants at this race; pre-pandemic it was capped at 5,000 participants. Self-serve water stations, only about 10 boxes of bananas (yes, they ran out of bananas before all the runners finished) and vanilla/chocolate crispy wafers snack. If you're not a fast 10 minute or less runner, you miss out on the bananas; I only got the one wafer snack when I finished. The Ala Moana water station had volunteers to give the runners water but only 4 porta potties and AMR at the first aid station. The race photographers weren't as nice as the ones in the past, they were very picky and this race has the photographs included with the race. The race photographers in the past wouldn't mind, if you wanted to pose for photos. This time, they didn't want that at all. We had flags colors that are supposed to match our corrals times but no one really follows them completely. The course this year was the 2019 route where you start at Thomas Square, go through Kakaako, Kakaako Waterfront Park, Ala Moana Blvd to Ala Moana Beach Park then back through Ala Moana Blvd to Kakaako to Thomas Square. There was one hill on the way into Kakaako Waterfront Park, not as bad as the Hapalua Half Marathon and Honolulu Marathon hills but still a small hill. It's mostly flat, lots of potholes and pretty good race to do. It was a hot, humid and voggy day to do the race. I did take a fast restroom break at Kakaako Waterfront Park's restroom because it's cleaner and smells better than the porta potties and needed to go while doing the race. I carried the water cups with me during the last 4 miles of the race because the sun was getting hot at that time. They annouce your name when you get to the finish line. I would recommend the Start to Park 10k in December as your first 10k race, it's less hours (5 am start) in the sun and more volunteers/water stations. This is a good second 10k race (6:45 am start), if you know that you're comfortable doing 10k miles already as a runner/walker. They took everything like tents, cones and stuff and removed road blocks a little after 9 am after a 6:45 am start time; by 9:30 am they were mostly done closing down the finish line. All the volunteers, HPD, and AMR/EMT/Medical volunteers were excellent. They made sure we were safe, helpful and friendly. At packet pickup in the Hawaii Convention Center, the volunteers were helpful and great to talk story with as well. Thank you so much to all the volunteers, HPD and paramedics in making this race possible and safe! Thank you Honolulu Marathon Association for the fun, safe and good race!

This inaugural triathlon was my third 70.3 event, and my best time so far. While it might be easy…read morefor people who are naturally athletic to roll out of bed and swim 1900 meters in the ocean, ride their bikes for more than 56 miles, and then run for 13.1 miles in the blistering heat, I'm a triathlete who struggles with her run. HOWEVER, I have been training with Boca Hawaii since January 2014 for the Honu Ironman 70.4 on the Big Island, and for Kawela. The training has resulted in improvements in all three sports for me, a mere mortal. Kawela was excellently executed. Even the run in the middle of the swim was actually quite fun. I know that some people probably didn't like it, but it made sense to have us run back to the start rather than swim against the current. My time was 18 minutes faster than my Honu swim (counting the run!). I take my time in transitions to be sure I have my nutrition and sunscreen. I don't mind spending a few minutes getting this right so that I do not bonk on the road. It paid off. My bike ride was perfect, despite a broad swath of sand on the North Shore fronting the ocean that had me fishtailing for about 10 feet. I credit time in the saddle for not falling. By the time I'm through with 56 miles on the bike, I'm ready to run. Not that I'm ready to run 13.1 miles ever. I was tired of being on my bike. Compared to other triathletes, my run is my most difficult event. I can pass women in my age group in the swim and the bike, but they all get me in my run. My plan during this off season is to run more. Transition was at Camp Erdman. We exited transition and headed to Kaena Point, then out to Mokuleia Beach Park. We did that three times. I took advantage of the cola, gels, ice and water at all of the aid stations. They never ran out. I also depended upon the aid stations for emotional support. At each of the stations were coaches, volunteer teammates, and Tri-Mates married to triathletes and familiar with the drill. Each of them assessed how we were, encouraged us with just the right push, and ensured we were always safe. I was one of the last triathletes to finish. But I was thrilled to finish faster than my Big Island Ironnman 70.3 events at under eight hours. That's a big deal for me. I also got third place, and I know it's because other women in my age group either struggled, volunteered, or were traveling. While big showy Ironman events do have a lot of swag, sponsors and shiny bright stars, Kawela easily matched them in attention to detail. This included about 50 police officers who cheered us through the intersections. It is so exhilarating when a police officer holds up an intersection of traffic so you can go through. What do you do? Big shakka alohas for everyone! You can ask any super star triathlete who was in Kawela if they thought it was a well-executed race. It was. But what's really important is how the rest of us feel. For an entire day you feel like you're just as super as the fast kids. The awards ceremony began at 2 p.m. and Raul Boca was nowhere to be found. I was a little disappointed, but I'm pretty sure he was out there on the course supporting the last triathlete who was struggling to finish. That's what you can count on with a Boca Hawaii event. That's the sort of relationship you enter when you train with Boca Hawaii. Recommend.

Boca did an awesome job putting on this half. I enjoyed the point to point format. I believe the…read moreswim must have been short, there is no way I swam that fast! I think they were serving warm Pepsi Max on the run, no good. Pepsi Max is a low calorie, sugar-free drink, we need sugar at that point. Mountain Dew was nice, recommend normal, full strength cola, with ICE or at least COLD. Consider taking our run bags the morning of the race. I think there was plenty of time to get our bags to T2 while we were swimming and biking. Run distance markers were off based on GPS. Road support for the bike was excellent. Run aide stations every mile would have been better, that was a hot, shade free run. 1.5 mile aide stations were too far apart. The prerace brief was good, it was advertised as 15 miutes, it was actually 45 minutes. Recommend changing the name , such as, "Kawela Half", "Kawela Half Iron", "Kawela 70.3", or something like that. The name is a little weird. The timing people agree with me based on their website. Overall, it was an excellent first year event. It is nice to have a long course here on Oahu; I will do it again next year!

The Boca Hawaii Tamanaha 15K is the first race of the 808 Race Hawaii Bioastin Marathon readiness…read moreseries, designed to help runners in preparation for the Honolulu Marathon in December. First of all, I am surprised that no other Yelper has reviewed this race yet so yes I am excited in this review. I recently ran the 15K on 08/12/2018 and it was a great run. The race encompasses the last half of the Honolulu Marathon, 15K=9 miles. If you have ran the Great Aloha Run, it is just 1 mile more. The race is held at Kapiolani Park and starts there and ends there. It is not as big as other big races in Hawaii but it is still an awesome race that is sponsored and supported and volunteered by great staff and people. The race goes from Diamond Head going through Kahala and wrapping around Diamond Head again to Kapiolani Park. They have some great refreshments at the end and a good race to start off the Marathon readiness and training overall. Although there is no race medal, there is still an awesome race shirt you get out of it. Highly recommended for any runner and especially for those who train for big races like the Marathon.

This 5k/10k is A-OK…read more Great for families, and it's surprising to see just how many keiki show up for this race. The top time in 2013 for males was 37 minutes, but it's not a highly competitive race. Overall field was only 193 runners, which made it very comfortable. Other strong points were the great work by volunteers, smooth organization, and awesome snack table. Cons would definitely be old timing methods and a not-so-scenic route. It felt like we did nothing for 10k but run through people's driveways. Considering this is one of the most spectacular parts of the island, the route leaves much to be desired. Still, a solid run for all-ages.

As published in the Sept 2013 Hawaii Sport Magaine print issue…read morehttp://issuu.com/hawaiisportmag/docs/hawaii_sport_sept_2013_print : Happy 4th of July! There really was no better way to celebrate America's birthday for Independence than to dress up in our Red, White and Blue and run; run for our Independence. The run/walk started at approximately 7:04AM (to stand for 7/4) and runners, moms with strollers, kids and dogs started on their path. My path was the 10K. I rushed up and down a few hills and before I knew it, I was at the halfway point and turning around to finish the last 3 miles! At the end of the finish line were lots of wonderful refreshments and food to fuel my empty stomach! I enjoyed the rest of my day by treating myself with a huge BBQ and a big tummy! This was a very enjoyable race and I hope to be able to do it again next year.

This is a triathlon / cycling event held as a fundraiser for the Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial…read moreFund. One of the biggest draws for this event is being able to bike on the H3 through the Harano from town side to Kailua! There are several event options you can participate in: Olympic Distance Triathlon (1500 meter swim, 27 mile bike, 10k run) Short Distance Triathlon Bike ride/race (750 meter swim, 27 Mike bike, 5k run) For the triathlon, the swim is at Ala Moana Beach Park, then you ride from Ala Moana Beach Park to H3 to Aikahi Park in Kailua, then the run to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii and back to Aikahi Park. For the bike only option, you start before or at the same time as the triathlon swim start. They close off the bike course from vehicle traffic. You have all Kailua bound lanes on H3 all to yourself! Just a heads up, it's 95% uphill and can get pretty windy as you get close to the tunnel! This is a point to point event, so you'll need to find your way back to the park or vice versa. The swim starts

Whether you live on Oahu or you don't, this triathlon is a must do!!! Do you long for a fun but…read morechallenging course dabbled with gorgeous views and almost no elevation climb? Do you wish we could go back to the races where volunteers are enthusiastic, competitors are encouraging to each other and you walk away with the feeling that you just had the best race ever?? Here it is folks. Raul put together a hidden gem of a race. Imagine swimming with the current, biking along the gorgeous shorelines of the east and north shores of Oahu. Every intersection you hit, a cop is there giving you preference to the cars. Sag wagons are visible more often than needed asking if you need anything. The 13.1 mile run is made up of 2 loops, passing fellow competitors and feeling their pain.. Every mile has an aid station full of Gatorade, water, gels and ice. Although a gorgeous route, the heat is scorching but it paled to the enthusiasm of the volunteers and cheering crowds. This is the ultimate energy boost to get you through the finish line. Finally, at the finish line, music, cheering, and good food await you. What more can you ask for? Oh wait, did I mention the gorgeous finisher's long sleeve dry fit shirt with original artwork and design from Mariane Uyehara? Don't take my word for it, do it! I like saying I told you so.

What a beautiful course! The scenery was a welcome distraction throughout all those miles on the…read morebike. I enjoyed being able to see other athletes multiple times while on the run, especially getting to see the top guys. Usually on courses they are way out in front and you just see them cruising at the finish while you're crawling across the line. It was nice to be able to see them gutting it out alongside you. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging along the way, and thank goodness for all those aid stations! Great organization and race officials kept things rolling smoothly and kept the competitors safety a priority. Massage tables at the end were a great idea!

After completing the Kapilina NiteRun earlier this summer, I got emails about the Kailua NiteRun…read morehappening on October 10, 2015. Since I didn't want to pay to actually run the 5k, I decided to volunteer instead. I eagerly signed up to volunteer from 4pm to 9pm as a Family Fun Fair Attendant. As a volunteer, it was pretty unorganized. They didn't have any work available so they had us sit around for a substantial amount of time. I even asked if I could grab a bite nearby and come back! Even after being gone for more than 30 minutes, still no work. LOCATION/PARKING: The run was held at Kawainui Marsh (the closest address is 910 Kailua Road). They had tents set up for easy spotting! Parking available on the streets or at Kailua High School. Shuttle buses were available to bring runners to the start line from Kaiser High School. ACTIVITIES/VENDORS: This particular NiteRun does not have all the vendors and inflatables like Kaka'ako, Kapilina or Haleiwa! Many people were disappointed in this. However, DNLR does not allow much on their protected lands. They did however have Jamba Juice and Coca Cola, free smoothies/coffee/Powerade/coconut water/Honest Tea, etc. Informal costume contest at the end of the run! RACE INFO: If you're running no need to come really early but if you haven't already picked up your packet before race day, come a little earlier so you can put your packet away! They don't really hold anything for you! You receive a free headlamp with entry and some coupons for Sports Authority and Jamba Juice! Race length is 5k or 3.1 miles! Not officially timed (no timing chips). Run begins once it gets dark and often starts later than scheduled. :( On this particular route, be sure to have enough lights! You run along the marsh, partly on the pavement and a good amount of time on gravel! Since it wasn't busy, the volunteer coordinator let me run! Let me tell you, running on gravel with little to no light is worse than walking in heels! Wobble this way, wobble that way! Just be careful. People are running with costumes and everyone is soooo friendly! I kept pace with several guys and they were cheering everyone on! How do you talk and run at less than an 8 min mile pace! Gah I'm panting! And of course, I try to not sound like a gorilla so I'm breathing quietly as I pass people and as soon as I'm a good distance away, GASP FOR AIR PLEASE! Inhale like there's no tomorrow! SNACKS: Grab more Jamba Juice smoothies or Coca Cola products to replenish your energy stores after the run! Muffins, oranges, bananas, trail mix, and cookies were available also! Nom nom nom. Especially when you're panting because you're so out of shape that a 5k makes your squirm. PRICING: Entry fees are $39.50 for adults, $25.50 for children ages 10-17. Same day registration is $49.50. Save $10 if you are a student, military, or HGEA member! Look on Groupon for specials to save money too for individuals like me who are too old to be considered a child, is unfortunately a wannabe student, is to weak-minded to be in the military and I don't even know what HGEA is. Time to Google! RANDOM FACTS: Each NiteRun benefits a different organization. This particular run benefitted the Boy & Girls Club of Hawaii - Windward. Come to the next event, Haleiwa NiteRun, on December 19, 2015 at the Haleiwa Beach park! This one should have all the festivities! Any takers?! :D

5k fun run in dark, lit by glowsticks? Sign me up!…read more I couldn't make either packet pickup and arrived an hour ahead for late packet pickup. I was surprised to find no line, just walked right up, signed the waiver on an iPad, and had my bad and t-shirt within a couple of minutes. It was smooth, definitely something other events could replicate. I walked around the fair / market for a bit. Luckily, I had come early because traffic was looking like a mess. The start was a bit confusing though - everyone had naturally lined up at the starting gate, then we were moved towards the mauka side near the stage. I couldn't hear anything, then we all started walking back to where we were...then right out of the road! The course map then made sense - we walked across the street to another starting area, complete with an inflatable arch and tents. It was dark by the time we started, which was good. It kind of lost steam though. The first part of an event is usually energy charged and exciting, this one wasn't. A few people were commenting on this, but oh well. We were off! I heard about the Seattle night run and was expecting some strobes, flashing lights, or something. The course was mostly just a jog in the night, with an occasional halogen light. The aid station at the halfway point was nice though, plenty of volunteers, a band, lots of cold water. The cold water was welcome - and full bottles of water! Think that's the first time I've seen that at an aid station. Then, just the light jog back. I was expecting a small congregation, but most people just walked back. I'm guessing there were 200 people, mostly teens (fitting though, given all the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club). Was a cool idea and if they could find out a way to pump some more energy in it, might go again.

Top 5 Reasons I Love The Warrior Dash: 1. Proceeds go to…read moreSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital 2. Easy registration process online 3. Free beer and entertainment! 4. You can feast on a tasty turkey leg after the run. 5. You get a free t-shirt, viking hat and a medal at the run. Basics: -About a 3 mile mud run with about 15 obstacles. -Obstacles include a lot of climbing and crawling. -Photos are taken throughout the race; you can view photos online about a week after the run. -1 free beer after you complete the run. When you first get there, you turn in your waiver forms and show your ID to pick up your bib/number, free hat and free shirt. You then proceed to another tent to show your ID so you can get your wristband to drink beer. They also offer free back check so you can check your belongings in instead of keeping them in the car. Everything gets dirty at the Warrior Dash, including your car. Parking is in an open field and the field gets muddy, so everything will need a wash after the Warrior Dash unless of course you toss your shoes and clothes which a lot of people do. I've done the Warrior Dash two years in a row now and the obstacles are pretty much the same except they change the order a bit. When you register, you sign up for a certain "wave" which is the time you begin but in all honesty, you can start at whatever time you want. If you show up early, you can begin early as no one is really checking to see what wave you belong in. It seems like all of the obstacles are towards the end of the race. You run through the empty field for a while then you hit a few obstacles and towards the end, the obstacles are back to back with very little running in between. Obstacles include crawling in the dirt under barbed wire, climbing over walls, climbing up cargo nets, repelling down a wooden wall with rope, jumping over fire, and swimming through a mud pond. Overall, the Warrior Dash is a ton of fun. If you don't like getting dirty or are afraid of heights, this isn't the run for you. But if you don't mind getting muddy and like to challenge yourself, this is a run you should definitely sign up for. Just say yes to mud, sweat and beer!

As I type, my shoulders and lats still feel the burn from pulling myself up the ropes and over the…read morewall obstacles, a couple of many along the 3 mile route to the flame jump and mud crawl to the finish. This was my second Warrior Dash race, the last one Michael W. and I completed in Seattle had very similar obstacles but a complete opposite experience, In the Hawaii version, the obstacles were much easier because they were dry (at least they were when we ran at 12) and the run was tough because it was blazing hot. In WA, all of the obstacles were extremely muddy and wet and way more treacherous so I'm glad we ran when we did! The greatest part of this event is they encourage you to party! Don't throw your timing chip away along with your mud-caked shoes - it's a token good for one free beer! I think with experience the event will only get better, this being the inaugural WD in Hawaii I don't think they anticipated the logistical nightmare when at 2:00 or so the skies dumped down tons of rain and thousands of people rushed to their cars to get out causing a 2+ hour logjam of vehicles stuck in the mud and just stuck trying to leave Dillingham Ranch. Otherwise, the race itself and short but fun festivities to follow was awesome.