HONOLULU -- With year-round sunshine, miles of scenic coastline and temperatures that average in the mid-70s, even during the "winter" months, Hawaii is an idyllic setting for endurance sports.
Heck, the Ironman World Championship was born on the shores of Waikiki and continues to be the pinnacle event of triathletes the world over, who each year vie for a chance to race the course along the Big Island's Kona Coast.
This year's 35th annual Ironman World Championship is scheduled for Oct. 12, when nearly 1,800 athletes will embark on a trying 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run.
If you can't make it to the Big Island to watch this display of pure athleticism, there are other local events taking place, here, through the end of the year.
Upcoming Events
•Sept. 29, 2013 Honolulu Century Ride -- Hawaii's oldest and largest cycling event, begins at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki and rides past Diamond Head, Sandy Beach and Kailua before returning to Kapiolani Park. Registration closes Sept. 27; visit www.hbl.org.
•Oct. 12, Honolulu Run, Rock & Wine Half Marathon -- The inaugural Honolulu Run, Rock & Wine Half Marathon begins and ends at Kapiolani Park, with a post-run celebration that includes live music and wine/beer tasting. Registration closes Oct. 9; visit www.victoryruns.com.
•Oct. 13, Tantalus 10-miler -- This grueling course travels five miles up Makiki Heights Road before turning back downhill to the finish line.
Registration closes Oct. 11; visit www.MPRRC.com.
•Oct. 15, Xterra Gunstock Trails Half Marathon and 5K -- Enjoy beautiful ocean views while running through the rolling hills and forest trails of a real working ranch on Oahu's North Shore. Registration closes Oct. 14.
•Oct. 20, MCBH Splash and Dash Biathlon -- Start your morning with a brisk 500-meter swim in beautiful Kaneohe Bay, finishing with a scenic 5K (3.1-mile) run along the taxiway of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. Participants may register as an individual or two-person team. Registration closes Oct. 15; visit www.mccshawaii.com/races.
•Nov. 9, Runner's HI Pearl Harbor Heihei Kukini Honoring Veterans -- Honor those who have served our country with a 10K, half marathon or 20-mile race around Pearl Harbor using the Pearl Harbor Bike Path and Pearl Harbor Historic Trail. Registration closes Nov. 7; visit http://RunPearlHarbor.com.
•Nov. 28, The Honolulu Marathon Clinic Turkey Trot -- This popular Thanksgiving Day tradition serves as a pacing run for the Honolulu Marathon, because "the mistakes made in the first 10 miles will haunt a runner in the last 6."
Registration available online or on race day only at the Kapiolani Park bandstand; no watches, headphones or pacing devises allowed. Visit http://honolulumarathonclinic.org/turkey-trot/.
•Dec. 8, 2013 Honolulu Marathon -- One of the world's largest and most popular marathons, the 26.2-mile course starts near Ala Moana Beach Park and heads along downtown Honolulu, loops back through Waikiki, around Diamond Head and out toward Hawaii Kai before doubling back to the finish at Kapiolani Park. With plenty of spectator support, costumed runners and holiday cheer, this race has become a true island tradition. Registration closes Nov. 25; late entry available at the expo, Dec. 4-7. Visit www.honolulumarathon.org.
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