Hawaii Running Project

We are so proud of Destiny Look and Savannah Santiago! These two young athletes from Oʻahu became national champions thanks to their inspiring performances at the 2024 USA Track and Field National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in College Station-Bryan, Texas. Savannah, a 12-year-old from Hauʻula who runs for the Koʻolauloa Track Club, placed first in the pentathlon. 16-year-old Destiny is from Kailua and runs for Spartan Track Club Hawaiʻi. She placed first in the heptathlon. Bravo to both of you!

Congratulations to Tara Dower for becoming the fastest person in history to complete the Appalachian Trail! The 31-year-old from Virginia completed the 2,168 mile (3,489 km) backcountry trail in 40 days, 18 hours, and five minutes, a distance usually covered by an A.T. thru-hiker in five to seven months.

To set the record, Dower ran and hiked an average of 54 miles each day on the often rocky and steep trail, which includes a total vertical gain of 465,000 feet as it runs through fourteen states. She started her daily runs at 3:30 am and continued for approximately 17 hours with several short breaks for meals and 90-second "dirt naps."

Dower used her record-setting run to raise money for Girls on the Run, saying that she hopes her feat will inspire girls and women. “I hope more women get out there,” she said. “It’s not about beating men, it’s about finding our true potential. And, you know, if you beat the men, that’s an extra bonus.” When she reached the trail's end last week, the exhausted but jubilant Dower fell to her knees and put her hands on the bronze plaque that reads, “A footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness.”

To support her Girls on the Run fundraiser, visit https://support.girlsontherun.org/fundraiser/5607331

For a fantastic book about the first woman to ever hike the entire Appalachian Trail -- at the age of 67 -- we highly recommend "Grandma Gatewood's Walk" at https://www.amightygirl.com/grandma-gatewood-s-walk

For young readers, there are two inspiring picture books about Grandma Gatewood's story, both for ages 5 to 9: "Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail" (https://www.amightygirl.com/grandma-gatewood-hikes-the-appalachian-trail) and "When Grandma Gatewood Took a Hike" (https://www.amightygirl.com/when-grandma-gatewood-took-a-hike)

For many books for young readers about the wonders of outdoor discovery, visit our blog post, "Explore Your World: 25 Mighty Girl Books About Outdoor Discovery," at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=11570

For many girl-empowering books for children and teens about the importance of determination, visit our "Perseverance" book section at http://amgrl.co/1hNzWVS

Image credit: Tara Dower

5K for Mental Health Run for your mental health and raise awareness around this critical topic with Still I Run's 2023 World Mental Health Day Virtual 5K!

Aloha Runners,
Here’s what you can expect this week with the Hawaii Running Project:
Weekly Workouts. FREE and open to everyone!

Tuesday, 9/17 - TNT
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Ala Moana Beach Park (near lifeguard tower 1E)
Workout: 800m repeats or walk
Parking: Free at Magic Island

Thursday, 9/19 - Queen K Run Club
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Meet at Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Route: Diamond Head Loop
If running late, meet at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.

Saturday, 9/21 - Park Run/Walk
Time: 7:00 am
Location: Kapiolani Park Bandstand (Waikiki Shell Parking Lot)
Distance: 5K run or walk
Details: Run for time or just for fun!

Sunday, 9/22 - Sunday Long Run with HOKA
Time: 6:00 am *NEW START TIME*
Location: Magic Island
Distances: 5, 10, or 15 miles
Details: Marathon training routes, post-run recovery fuel provided by HOKA.

🏆 HRP Bowling Social! – Saturday, 9/21 🏆
Come join us for a fun Bowling Social!
Time: Carpool leaves Magic Island at 3:30 PM
Location: Meet at Magic Island and carpool to the on-base bowling alley.
Details: Only those with military access can drive on base, so be sure to sign up here for a spot! Bring your best game and get ready for some fun with your fellow HRP runners. 🎳

Beach to Beach Run – Fall Edition – Sunday, 9/29
Join us for HRP’s Fall Beach to Beach Run, an iconic event offering multiple route options for all levels! Whether you’re gearing up for a marathon or just want to enjoy a scenic long run, we have something for everyone.

Option 1: Magic Island 5 or 10 Mile Route
Details: Start at Magic Island and choose between a 5 or 10 mile run. If this is your preferred option, no need to sign up—just show up ready to run!

Option 2: Beach to Beach 16 Mile Route
Details: This scenic 16-mile run takes you from Kailua Beach to Magic Island Beach Park, crossing over the Pali Highway. For this option, we kindly ask that you sign up to help us coordinate carpooling.

Option 3: Pali Lookout to Magic Island (9 Miles)
Details: Prefer a shorter long run? Start at the Pali Lookout and run 9 miles to Magic Island. If you choose this option, please sign up to arrange carpooling.

Whichever route you choose, this is a great way to challenge yourself and experience some of Oahu’s most beautiful landscapes.

Want to be part of the fun but don’t feel like running? We’re also looking for volunteers to help support the runners during the event. If you’re interested, simply reply to this post!

HRP Board Nominations for 2025
As we head into the last part of the year, it's time to start thinking about the 2025 HRP Board! We are beginning the nomination process, which includes confirming nominations and opening voting to the HRP community.
Submit Your 2025 Board Nominations! Message us for details.

What We've Been Up To:
This past Sunday, we had a fantastic turnout for our group run! Big thanks to HOKA for fueling our post-run recovery. The Sunday long runs are becoming a staple of the HRP community, with a solid group showing up each week.

Plan Your Fall Race Schedule
Fall is here, which means it's time to start planning your races! Whether you’re gearing up for the 2024 Honolulu Marathon or just looking for a fun challenge, we recommend checking out the 2024 BioAstin Marathon Readiness Series—there are still 3 great races left! Sign up now!

Upcoming Events:
September 21st: Ikaika 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
September 21st: HRP Bowling Social!
September 29th: Beach to Beach Run!
Details: Choose from 3 distances and join us for our biannual beach to beach run!

HRP Merchandise: https://runsignup.com/Club/Store/HI/Honolulu/HawaiiRunningProject

Show your HRP pride! Check out our online store for t-shirts, hats, race singlets, and more.

Questions?? respond to this post, send us a message or....
Call/text Coach Kawika at 808-462-1313

Have a fantastic week,
Hawaii Running Project Team

***** send us a message to be put on the weekly email list. It will contain all of the links for the events above ****

Stay Connected via
YouTube | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter |Meetup

Celebrating the 4th of July with Jeopardy Relays and a picnic at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park.

~ photo: QK Run Club every Thursday 6 pm at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Aloha!
Join us this weekend at some of our FUN Training Runs.

Tonight, I encourage you to attend the Friday Night Fireworks Run 6 pm at Magic Island.
Jeannie Wokasch, one of the most dominant runners back in the day, will be coming to give our group a talk.
She won all the major marathons and races in Hawaii and is known for doing a cartwheel at the finish line.
She has had a challenging life, and a great example of how to overcome obstacles with persistence.
Feel free to bring something to the potluck, and a chair. Also, it gets cool in the evening - so you may want to bring something long sleeve for afterwards.

Saturday morning we have the Kapiolani Park 5K Run 7 am at the bandstand.
In the afternoon, our HRP Committee Meeting is 4 pm at the new shop.
The Address is 401 Kamakee St. #311 at the corner of Queen St.
Free Ward Village Parking is available in the Whole Foods building (kitty corner) on the 4th floor and above.
(The elevator should be operating normally. However if there is an "after hours" code required, then press.... 3-1-1-1-3.)
If you are interested in helping out with the planning of our activities, please feel free to join us. Or, pass on your ideas to a Committee Member.
Stop by and visit our shop anytime to support our group. Normal hours are 10-5 or 6 daily. Call or text Coach Kawika to confirm.

Sunday is our Long Run at Kaena Point Trail. It's past Dillingham Airfield and the YMCA on the North Shore.
Run 5 miles round trip to the western-most point of the island. Or, 10 miles to Yokohama Beach and back.
Please bring water and snacks with you, because there is nothing available on the trail!
Meet 5:45 at Ala Moana Beach Park/ Magic Island parking lot to carpool.
Or, meet us at the Trailhead at 7 am.
After the run, we usually go somewhere nearby and fun, to refuel.

Friday Night Fireworks Run 6 pm at Magic Island. 7 pm Jeannie Wokasch Talk, and potluck. 8 pm Fireworks.
Saturday Kapiolani Park 5K run 7 am at the bandstand. 4 pm Committee Meeting at the Shop.
Sunday Long Run at Kaena Point. 5:45 am Carpool at Magic Island parking. 7 am at the Trailhead. Afterwards ?

Questions?? Call/text Coach Kawika 808-462-1313

HRP Summer Fun Long Runs & Calendar:
June
5 - Kickoff 7 am at Runner's Hi/ Pearl Harbor Bike Path
11 - Committee Meeting 4 pm at the Shop
12 - Kaena Point Trail Run 7 am @ Trailhead near Dillingham AirField
19 - Long Run in Hawaii Kai including Koko Head Trail, Koko Crater stairs, and Hawaii Kai Valley
26 - Outer Island Trip Kona Marathon cancelled.
+ Alternate Long Run for those not going
July
3 - Manoa Valley/Waahila Ridge Trail
4 - Medley Relay 4th Holiday Run
9 - Committee Meeting 4 pm at the Shop
10 - Kailua Beach Shark Chase Run + Pillbox Trail
17 - Lanikai 8K + Olomana Trail
22 - HKUR-XT Course Setup
23/24 - Hawaii Kai Ultra Run XTreme
Link: https://raceroster.com/events/2022/50941/hawaii-kai-ultra-run-xtreme-2022
31 - Makeup Long Run for Volunteers in Kalama Valley

Aloha! (6/23) Sunday Long Run: Tantalus - Meet 6:30 am at the corner of Makiki St. and Makiki Heights Road. Street parking. No restrooms. Archie Baker Park (Water Pumping Station) Or, carpool from the Magic Island parking lot at 5:45 am. Meet us near lifeguard tower 1E/ Ala Moana Beach Park. Please sign up on the sheet listed below. Sign up here!:...

Sunday Long Run 6/23 Aloha! (6/23) Sunday Long Run: Tantalus – Meet 6:30 am at the corner of Makiki St. and Makiki Heights Road. Street parking. No restrooms. Archie Baker Park (Water Pumping Station) Or, carpool…

Aloha!

(6/23) Sunday Long Run: Tantalus -

Meet 6:30 am at the corner of Makiki St. and Makiki Heights Road.

Street parking. No restrooms. Archie Baker Park (Water Pumping Station)

Or, carpool from the Magic Island parking lot at 5:45 am. Meet us near lifeguard tower 1E/ Ala Moana Beach Park.

Please sign up on the sheet listed below.

Sign up here!:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1md6NF-yk-gmNxgXD3QwS9KYiHF01OTJW/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100433499440279203709&rtpof=true&sd=true

Description:

There is a looped trail for either 3 or 10 miles, but will have the option to go out and back to hit your desired mileage.

Road option is 6 miles to Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park, or 10 miles for the full loop, or make it an out and back. We will go over the options in the morning when we gather.

Next Sunday (6/30) is the Ohana Trail

Join us and have some fun!

Questions?? Call/text

Coach Kawika

808-462-1313

Aloha - We are currently in our summer fun training block which includes lots of awesome hikes, runs, and fun. This last sunday we went to Koko head stairs + Hawaii Kai Valley. Some HRP members did the 1000+ stairs of Koko head, some ventured into the valley running mileage, and some members challenged themselves with both! Koko head + Hawaii Kai…...

Training June 17 to 23 Aloha –  We are currently in our summer fun training block which includes lots of awesome hikes, runs, and fun. This last sunday we went to Koko head stairs + Hawaii Kai Valley. Som…

Click on the link below for our Memorial Weekend Update for Sat, Sun, and Mon.

Memorial Weekend Training Here is a quick update for this Memorial Day weekend: Sat, Sun, and MonSee picture below from the Kapiolani Park Run 5K this morning. We meet at 7 am at the bandstand …

🏃‍♀️ Kapiolani Park Run 5K this morning. Join us every Saturday 7 am at the Kapiolani Park bandstand for a run, jog, or walk around the park. Free and open to everyone 🤙

This past week we didn't let the weather dampen our spirits. We changed up our planned Beach to Beach run, and did a Pali Lookout Half Marathon instead. See below for some group pics. And, there are many more pics on our social media sites. Congratulations to Michael, Eric, and Terry who participated in the Honolulu Triathlon, also on Sunday....

Training Schedule May 20 to 27 This past week we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits. We changed up our planned Beach to Beach run, and did a Pali Lookout Half Marathon instead. See below for some…

Our May Social was dinner at Olive Garden!
Next one is a Beach Party on June 9th after our Long Run at Kaena Point on the North Shore.

TNT: Tuesday Night Training! This week is Sprint Shuttles.
We also have HRP Walkers that meet up at the same time.
Meet us 6 pm near lifeguard tower 1E and the Magic Island parking lot at Ala Moana Beach Park. Everyone is welcome!
~ photo: is from last week May 14

Weather couldn't dampen our spirits on our Sunday Long Run: as we ran the Pali Lookout Half Marathon on May 19.

Aloha! The weather has changed our training this weekend for the Sunday Beach to Beach Run. See the details below. Saturday Park Run and HRP Walkers. And, Social Dinner still on! Picture is from QK Run Club on Thursday. This is the hardcore group that braved the rains!Join us 6 pm every week at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel lobby....

Weekend Training May 18 & 19 Aloha! The weather has changed our training this weekend for the Sunday Beach to Beach Run. See the details below. Saturday Park Run and HRP Walkers. And, Social Dinner sti…

Join us for our Sunday Long Run! Free and open to everyone.
Click on the link below details for our "Pali Lookout Half Marathon"

Sunday Long Run: Beach to Beach, Sun, May 19, 2024, 6:30 AM | Meetup **(5/19) Sunday Long Run: Beach to Beach - Pali Lookout Half Marathon** **[LONG RUN SIGN UP SHEET](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18ZpZg-8hocGi_9dH8j_i0vhVi_0Hq_A6V

Join us for our Sunday Long Run! Free and open to everyone.
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-hawaii-running-project/events/300576446/

QK Run Club every Thursday 6 pm at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel lobby. Free and open to everyone 🤙 Join us next time.

More fun is coming your way, this May! Check dates below for upcoming activities. May is also: American Stroke Awareness Month Arthritis Awareness Month Brain Tumor Awareness Month Better Hearing and Speech Month Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month Healthy Vision Month Hepatitis Awareness Month Lupus Awareness Month Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month Mental Health Awareness Month National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month…...

Training Schedule May 13 to 19 More fun is coming your way, this May! Check dates below for upcoming activities.  May is also: American Stroke Awareness Month Arthritis Awareness Month Brain Tumor Awareness Month Better Hea…

Sunday Long Run to Manoa on May 12th. Join us every week as we go long and seek out adventures.

Trail Running Film Festival Hawaii! https://trailfilmfest.com/event/honolulu-hawaii-5-18/