The inaugural Kauai Marathon, slated for September 6th, 2009 in Poipu Beach, will be a world class event to draw runners from around the globe to witness one of the most beautiful islands in the world, while helping to support local charities to benefit the island’s community.

(thekauaimarathon.com) - The inaugural Kauai Marathon, slated for September 6th, 2009 in Poipu Beach, will be a world class event to draw runners from around the globe to witness one of the most beautiful islands in the world, while helping to support local charities to benefit the island’s community.

The AIMS and USATF certified courses have already been dubbed, “the most visually stunning running courses in the world”, by the co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Marathons, Rich Hanna. The marathon course will be a challenging one as it gently climbs to awesome views of the Pacific through a wide variety of tropical vegetation. It will finish on a descent back to Poipu Beach where post-race festivities will take place.

Along the route runners will experience rolling hills with magnificent mountain backdrops, stunning volcano views, spectacular ocean views, the charm of the tunnel of trees, misty Omao, and rustic rural paved roadways high above the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean finishing to a rousing welcome back at Poipu Beach.

The founder of The Kauai Marathon, Jeff Sacchini states: “My vision for this race is to create a world class sporting event that will draw visitors from around the world that showcases the amazing scenery and views of the island and couple that with the incredible aloha spirit from the community.” Sacchini said. “It will create a healthy, competitive affair that will raise money for charity with the net proceeds to keep on the island. It’s a milestone that everyone can feel good about.”

To turn his vision into reality, Sacchini has assembled an incredibly talented team of accomplished sporting event professionals to assist him in achieving this world-class event.

Bob Craver, a resident of Kalaheo, Kauai will be the co-race director. He was the race director for many years at the Maui Marathon and has built his career in assisting in the production of various world-class sporting events. He will manage the course, security, traffic, aid stations and finish line responsibilities. He will oversee all race logistics and be the liaison on the island for the event.

Rich Hanna, two time national 100k running champion, will handle course certification and timing duties for both the full and the half marathon.

Chris Balestreri, an avid runner, will handle the vendor expo the day preceding the race. She has extensive experience in special events coordination with numerous organizations on the west coast.

Amy Griggs will oversee the vendor coordination and assist in the set-up of the expo. She has built her career in putting on event coordination for adventure races with GGP and IMG internationally.

At present, a variety of sponsorship opportunities are available ranging from major event sponsors to race day sponsors. These opportunities enable businesses of all sizes to enjoy tremendous brand recognition and visibility both on race day and in the months leading up to the event.

Ultimately, it is hoped that runners, sponsors, families and associates will all discover what Kauai has to offer, not only as the home of the world’s most magnificent marathon course, but as the perfect place to vacation, relax and connect with the beauty of nature.

Up to date information on the Kauai Marathon is available online: http://www.thekauaimarathon.com.