The Kauai Marathon Continues to Give Back to the Community of Kauai

Although The Kauai Marathon is finished and the barricades and signage are stored until next year, Jeff Sacchini, the founder of the race continues to generously give back to the people of Kauai through three charitable programs: The One Grand Mile campaign, a Keiki Run elementary school donation, and race day volunteer disbursement.

New to the 2013 event, Jeff and Liz Sacchini established the One Grand Mile charity campaign. The program was simple. For each mile marker purchased along the half marathon course for $1,000, the Sacchinis would match the dollar amount. The goal was to sell the first thirteen mile markers raising a total of $26,000 for Kauai’s non-profit organizations. The businesses of Kauai embraced the campaign and purchased all thirteen mile markers. Lawai Beach Resort was the first organization to sign up, followed by Kauai Heritage Properties, KIUC, The Parrish Collection Kauai, Kukui’ula Development Company, No Ka Oi Landscaping, DuPont Pioneer, America’s Mattress, Captain Andy’s Sailing, Live Koloa, Kukui Grove, Kilohana Plantation and Wala’au.

One hundred percent of the monies raised will benefit non-profit organizations on Kauai in 2013. A panel of community members and race organizers will decide on the distribution of funds announcing the lucky non profit groups in late October and distributing the checks in November.

The Inaugural Keiki Run was a huge success with over 170 future marathoners participating. The 2-4 year olds enjoyed the toddler trot while the 5-7 and 8-12 year olds exposed their talents in the quarter mile and half mile runs. It was amazing to see all of the Kauai elementary schools that participated. The winner of the $500 donation for the most runners was Kalaheo Elementary School, however they were followed closely by Ele’ele Elementary, Koloa Elementary, Koloa Early School, Wilcox Elementary, Island School and St. Theresa School.

Lastly, The Kauai Marathon depends on hundreds of volunteers on race day to assist with course directionals, parking, water disbursement, award distribution and more. Over $7,000 was generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups volunteering for these race day activities.  Niumalu Canoe Club, Kalaheo Elementary School, Koloa Elementary School, Kapaa Cheerleaders, Amateur Radio Club, Waimea Bayanihan Club, Puuwai Canoe Club, Kukuiula Canoe Club, Koloa Early School, Swim Kauai Aquatics, Zero Waste, Aikido Uuishinkai, and the Waimea High School Project Grad are just a few of the recipients.

The 6th Annual Kauai Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, August 31, 2014 in Poipu, Kauai. The event offers the marathon and half marathon distances, which are certified by USATF. The headquarters hotel is the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, which hosts the Sports & Fitness Expo, Event Registration, Fun Run, Keiki Run and more. For additional information, please visit HYPERLINK “http://www.thekauaimarathon.com” www.thekauaimarathon.com.