FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Wardian of Arlington, Virginia Wins the
Second Annual Kauai Marathon
On Sunday, September 5, 2010, The Kauai Marathon brought runners from
around the world to compete in both half and full marathon distances on the
beautiful Garden Isle of Kauai. Michael Wardian won the full marathon with
a time of 2 hours, 30 minutes and 52 seconds. He was 52 seconds shy of
winning the first ever Kauai Marathon Speed Challenge purse of $15,000.
Last year's winner, JT Service crossed the finish line second in 2 hours,
41 minutes and 24 seconds. Wardian said he felt that it was one of the
most difficult road marathons around due to the climbs, heat and humidity.
But with all of the challenges, he has committed to coming back in 2011 to
break the 2 hour and 30 minute mark. Service additionally noted that
Wardian's performance showed that the Kauai Marathon Speed Challenge was
attainable, and feels that it will bring more elite runners to the 2011
event. The top female finisher for the full marathon was Becki Lynn
Lassley of Littleton Colorado with an impressive time of 3 hours, 23
minutes and 46 seconds.
Rich Hanna of Sacramento, California won the half marathon in 1 hour, 15
minutes and 4 seconds. The lead runner for the female division was Varinka
Barbini from Lexington, Kentucky with a time of 1 hour, 25 minutes and 44
seconds. Kauai's top finishers were Andrew Stenovich and Brooke Sugahara
for the full marathon and Jordan Kahawai and Mary Castelanelli for the half
marathon.
Over 1,500 runners participated in the elite event represented by 45 states
and 10 countries. For the 2010 Half Marathon, there were 1098, while the
full marathon had 419 runners. More than half of the participants were
women.
Jeff Sacchini, race founder, long had a vision of bringing a world-class
marathon to Kauai. He knew that with great leadership and Kauai's generous
support, the island's aloha spirit would be shared with visitors from
around the world while enhancing the local economy. Sacchini brought in
Kalaheo resident Bob Craver as race director to help bring his dream to
reality.
Several sponsors made the event possible including: Kauai Visitor's Bureau,
County of Kauai, Sheraton Kauai Resort, Grand Hyatt Kauai, Fresh Point,
Comcast and Tudal Wine Group. Many local businesses assisted by providing
volunteer lunches, accommodations and supplies for the medical tent.
Over $10,000 was generously donated to numerous local non-profit groups
volunteering for race day activities. Niumalu Canoe Club, Kalaheo
Elementary School, Kapaa High School Project Grad and the American Red
Cross are just a few. Other non-profit groups attended the event including
A-T, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Giv'r 4 Liver. Collectively they
raised over $100,000 for their charities.
To register for this world-class event for September 4, 2011, visit
www.thekauaimarathon.com.
###
|
