Kauai Marathon

The Hawaiian island of Kauai — with its pristine sand beaches, lush jungle-like rain forests and massive green cloud-covered mountains, whose waterfalls bring the heavy rains that collect on the peaks cascading down to the beaches below — offers one of the most beautiful places anywhere on earth for a running event. Both the Kauai Marathon & Half Marathon begin in Poipu Beach, a resort area nestled along the island’s southern coast that features both the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course and the Kiahuna Golf Club, popular attractions for visitors from around the world who are drawn to the island’s relaxed, unhurried pace and still-unspoiled natural beauty. Both the full and the half marathon courses are considered walker-friendly, and walkers are welcome to compete in either race, provided they can finish within the event’s 7 1/2-hour time limit. While you’re in Kauai — because you’ll no doubt be making a vacation of this running event — there are quite a few can’t-miss spots and activities you’ll have to take in. On this list are a visit to Waimea Canyon (where some of the most familiar photos of Hawaii are often taken), the Napali Coast and the northern coast of the island, which receives usually much more rainfall and is much more green and lush than many areas along the southern and western parts of the island. The courses are USATF certified.