Get Fit in 2018 With These Upcoming Races in Hawai‘i

Here are some of Hawai‘i’s best races to help you get in shape this year.

December 28, 2017

Rachel Ross Bradley,

Challenge yourself to run 26.2 miles in the Honolulu Marathon.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES/TOM PENNINGTON

The Bosetti Sunrise 10K

Jan. 1

Why not start the year on the right foot? The Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club keeps it simple: Signup is the morning of the race on Keala‘olu Street near Sandy Beach in Hawai‘i Kai. A $25 entry fee gets you a 10K race with two big climbs, up and over “Heartbreak Hill” near Kamiloiki Elementary, and up to the very top of Lunalilo Home Road and back to the start.

Great Aloha Run

Feb. 19

If you only do one race per year, this is the one. Thousands participate, running or walking the 8.2 miles from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium. Run side by side with the Sounds of Freedom, servicemen and women running in formation. Free weekly training workshops kicked off Dec. 17 at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand for those already registered.

Registration open now at: greataloharun.com

Jamba Juice Lanikai Triathlon

April 15

This triathlon starts and finishes at Kailua Beach Park and sells out every year. It’s one of the first and shortest triathlons of the year, making it perfect for the first-timer or the seasoned athlete.

Straub Women’s 10K

May 6

This women’s-only event will celebrate its 41st year in 2018. The race starts at Kapi‘olani Park and takes runners up and over Diamond Head, around Kāhala and back to the park for the finish. Take your time at this very supportive event. The finisher’s shirt is always fun, with a little sparkle and pink.

Registration is open at hphwomens10k.com

Hawai‘i 70.3

June 2

For a taste of the Ironman Kona, sign up for the Hawai‘i 70.3, which gets you out on the bike course of the Ironman World Championship on the Big Island without having to train for the full distance. This half-Ironman is a 2.4-mile swim at Hāpuna Beach, a 56-mile bike ride to Hāwī and back, and a 13.1-mile run in Mauna Lani. Finishers get bragging rights and potentially the opportunity to race in the World Championship in the fall.

Cliff Rigsbee Tinman Triathlon

July, date TBA

Known as the people’s triathlon, you can do this one on your mountain bike or cruiser. The course includes a swim at Queen’s Beach, a 25-mile ride out to Hawai‘i Kai and back and a 10K run around Diamond Head. The race draws a great crowd of all levels, spectators and is a fun reason to splurge at brunch when you’re pau.

Pro tip: Most entry fees rise as the event date nears, so sign up early to stay on track with your financial goals, too.

Hāna Relay

Sept. 8

Only 100 teams will get to experience this fun and beautiful 52-mile relay race from Kahului to Hāna, Maui. Gather up five of your friends, be ready to send in your application when it opens, usually around June 1, and then start planning your costumes. Be sure to snag a place to stay in Hāna the night after the race and make a weekend of it.

Keep an eye on the Hāna Relay Facebook group for signup information, as well as the Valley Isle Road Runners website.

Maui Marathon

Oct. 14

The Maui Marathon is a rare point-to-point marathon that starts in Kahului and finishes in Kā‘anapali. From the halfway point, the course takes you along the coastline, with beautiful ocean views as you make your way north along cliffs and beaches. Half-marathon, 10K and 5K options are available as well.

mauimarathon.com

Ka Iwi Coast Run

fall, date TBA

Runners and walkers alike can enjoy the rugged Ka Iwi coastline on this approximately 4-mile course that starts at Sandy Beach at sunrise and finishes at Maunalua Bay. The roads are closed to vehicles, making it a perfect event for the whole family. Funds raised support Hui Nalu Canoe Club.

Val Nolasco Half-Marathon

November, date TBA

Part of the 808 Readiness Series for the Honolulu Marathon, the Val Nolasco Half-Marathon is the perfect test of strength before the full marathon the following month. Sign up for one race, or for the five-race series that prepares runners for the Honolulu Marathon and starts in August.

Honolulu Marathon

Dec. 9

Every year, more than 25,000 people line up in front of Ala Moana to challenge themselves to run 26.2 miles. Look for an ad in the newspaper for kama‘āina entry for about $45 sometime in January, or like the Honolulu Marathon Facebook page to be sure not to miss the limited-time entry.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Honolulu Marathon

Jingle Rock Run

December, date TBA

Photo: Christy Davis

Dress the whole family (and the dog) in your holiday silliest for this annual fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i. The 5K course starts and finishes at ‘Iolani Palace and take participants through the Honolulu City Lights in the evening. There’s a keiki sprint as well, and you can walk over to Honolulu Hale to see the trees and wreaths after you run.