Free events lead up to Kaua‘i Marathon

The 2011 Kaua‘i Marathon is hosting several complimentary events available to the public leading up to the race, Sunday.

Heading up the list is the Sports and Fitness Expo which will open at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort Garden Lobby from 10 a.m., Friday.

The event where runners are able to pick up their race packets and review course layouts is open to the public and features logo marathon merchandise, Inspiration magazine, and offerings from several active lifestyle vendors.

Additionally, Bart Yasso, a veteran runner and Runner’s World ambassador, and Dean Karnazes, host for this year’s marathon, will be available for talk story and autographs.

Yasso will be available from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday.

Karnazes, the Ultra Marathon Man, will be at the Expo from 2 to 3 p.m.

The public is also invited to participate in the Second Annual Fun Run, Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at the end of Po‘ipu Road, just past the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa.

The pre-marathon 3 to 5-mile fun run offers the opportunity to soak in the marathon spirit with Karnazes and Yasso leading the run.

Because it is not a race, the event will not be timed and the public is advised to park in the designated event parking lot on the left side at the end of Po‘ipu Road.

Following the fun run, a pre-race informational panel will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. Karnazes and Yasso, official race timer Rich Hanna and J.T. Service, winner of the inaugural Kaua‘i Marathon will be on the panel moderated by Jeff Sacchini, discussing topics such as injury prevention, the marathon course review, course tips and race day advice.

The Third Annual Kaua‘i Marathon takes off at 6 a.m. Sunday on Po‘ipu Road fronting the Po‘ipu Shopping Village.

Visit www.thekauaimarathon.com for more information, course maps and traffic advisories.