Wardian said he felt that it was one of the most difficult marathons around due to the climbs, heat and humidity. But with all of the challenges, the Arlington, Va. resident has committed to coming back in 2011 to break the 2 hour, 30 minute Challenge mark.
The top female finisher for the marathon was Becki Lynn Lassley of Littleton, Colo. in 3:23:47.
Rich Hanna of Sacramento, California won the half-marathon in 1:15:06, while the lead runner for the female division was Varinka Barbini from Lexington, Ky. in 1:25:47.
Kauai’s top finishers were Andrew Stenovich (3:34:43) and Brooke Sugahara (4:00:33) for the marathon and Jordan Kahawai (1:28:10) and Mary Castelanelli (1:37:07) for the half-marathon.
More than 1,500 runners from 45 states and 10 countries participated in the event. In the half-marathon, there were 1,098, while the marathon had 419 runners. More than half of the participants were women.
Jeff Sacchini, race founder, long had a vision of bringing a world class marathon to Kauai. He knew that with great leadership and Kauai’s generous support, the island’s aloha spirit would be shared with visitors from around the world while enhancing the local economy. Sacchini brought in Kalaheo resident Bob Craver as race director to help bring his dream to reality.
More than $10,000 was generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups volunteering for race day activities. Niumalu Canoe Club, Kalaheo Elementary School, Kapaa High School Project Grad and the American Red Cross are just a few. Other non-profit groups attended the event including A-T, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Giv’r 4 Liver. Collectively they raised $100,000 plus for their charities.
To register for the third edition, set for Sunday, September 4, 2011, visit: www.thekauaimarathon.com
RUNNING USA
