“Marathon Goddess” to participate in The Kauai Marathon on August 31st

Julie Weiss, otherwise know as the Marathon Goddess, will be traveling to Poipu, Kauai to participate in The Kauai Marathon on Sunday, August 31^st. This is her third year in a row attending the event.  In 2012, her mission was to run 52 marathons in one year – one marathon a week in what she called 52 for You. Her purpose was to bring awareness and raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  The 2012 Kauai Marathon was race #20 in her 52- marathon journey.

She will be returning this year to not only run the race, but also speak at the Expo and share stories about her yearlong adventure.  Her presentation, scheduled for 2:00 pm on Friday, August 29^th and 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 30^th at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, is titled, 52 Marathons in 52 Weeks – The Journey!  She has amazing tales of perseverance, and the will to keep going against all odds.  Ultimately, she finished 52 marathons, 1,362.4 miles raising nearly $200K for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Her father Maurice was diagnosed and passed away suddenly in December 2010 from pancreatic cancer. This was just one week before Julie qualified to run the Boston

Marathon. Her dad was her biggest fan and as she crossed the finish line both hands up

and fingers pointing to the sky, she knew her father was there cheering. She said “through my love of running, my love of life and my love for my father I plan to raise hope, money and awareness to the world for those who have been affected by pancreatic cancer.”

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and research is severely underfunded — one reason Julie chose to ”fight this horrible disease.” Bringing awareness and raising funds to help in the fight against it are high on her priority list. However, as she stated, “focusing on nutrition, exercise and peace of mind are all components to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well.”

Hawaii also has a special place in Julie’s heart, which makes running the Kauai Marathon even more special for her. She said, “I always feel at home when I am on Kauai, the spirit and people, the relaxing nature and peacefulness of it, it just feels like where I belong.” To learn more about Julie, her mission or to make a donation, please visit   www.marathongoddess.com.

The 6^th Annual Kauai Marathon is going to be held on Sunday August 31^st beginning at 6:00 am. The marathon and half-marathon events begin on Poipu Road in front of the Poipu Shopping Village. The first 11 miles are run together before the half marathoners veer off into Kukui’ula Resort to their oceanfront finish while the marathoners head up Koloa Road to the neighborhoods of Lawai and Kalaheo before heading back down to Poipu. The marathon finisher’s party and awards ceremony is located on the ocean front lawn at The Sheraton Kauai Resort beginning at 8:00am. Race participants as well as supporters can enjoy food, refreshments and live entertainment until the early afternoon. The online registration deadline for this world-renowned event is fast approaching ending on August 28,2014 at 11:59 Pacific Standard Time. Race packets, bibs and participant bags must be picked up at the Sports and Fitness Expo at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa on Friday, August 29, 2014 or Saturday, August 30, 2014. For more information, or to register for this spectacular event, please visit www.thekauaimarathon.com. If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, please contact Robin Jumper at 808-635-3053 or   tyzaconsulting@gmail.com at least seven days before the event.