HANALEI — The 41st annual Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run will take place on June 3, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its host Hanalei Canoe Club, which has used the multi-event as a fundraiser that has grown and become well-known and loved.
“This year, the race will once again feature the 8-mile run from Ha‘ena to Hanalei, as well as the ever-popular half marathon that starts at the Hanalei Pier, running to Tunnels, and back to the Hanalei Pier,” said Haily Zaki in an email announcement.
“Half marathons are all the rage in the running world now. In recent years, the half marathon has become the preferred distance of recreational runners, mainly because it’s a better first endurance race, training is more fun, and you’re less likely to get hurt,” she said.
Additionally, there will be a 5K run and a 1-mile youth run.
Preregistration for any of the Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run events is now open online at hanaleicanoeclub.org/haena-run/. Registration for the events also includes a pre-event discount.
The cutoff for online registration is midnight June 1, with organizers noting that late registration does not guarantee a T-shirt or size preference.
The 8-mile run/walk will start at 6 a.m. for walkers, and 7 a.m. for runners, with the road into Ha‘ena State Park and Ke‘e Beach closing at 5:30 a.m.
Participants are able to take advantage of the free shuttle bus service to the starting line at Ke‘e Beach. The service from the Hanalei Pier starts at 4:30 a.m. Organizers encourage walkers to be at Hanalei Pier at 4:15 a.m., and runners be at the pier by 5:15 a.m., at the latest.
The Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run Half Marathon is an out-and-back run from the Hanalei Pier to Ha‘ena Beach Park and back. Runners will start at 6:30 a.m.
The Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run 5K Run/Walk, and 1-mile Youth Run starts and ends at the Hanalei Pier. The event starts at 7 a.m. with the 5K run followed by the start of the Youth Run.
Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run participants are registered to enjoy a pancake breakfast following their respective events. Additional pancake breakfasts are available for $7 each, starting at 7:30 a.m. on June 3.
Once the race is run, results of the 41st Ha‘ena to Hanalei Run will be available through the Hanalei Canoe Club website.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
