KAUAI, HI - Jeff Sacchini may have made the move to the mainland from beautiful Kauai, to take on a new adventure as the President of Daylight Foods, but his Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon in 2018 will bring him back to the island. Slated for September 2nd on The Garden Island, the event will also be reaching a milestone with its 10th anniversary.

Jeff joins me to talk about this epic and popular race and how it is more than an event, it has become a lifestyle and a challenge.

“Time flies when you’re having fun! We are already celebrating our 10-year anniversary and have definitely enjoyed the work that goes into the event and the cherished memories we have created,” Jeff tells me. “One thing we can say for sure is that we underestimated the scope of work, the time commitment, and how many resources are needed to pull it all together each year. It really takes a community of dedicated individuals to make it special. Fortunately, we have had the same folks, year after year, who really know what they are doing in all aspects of the weekend festivities, and I feel it shows in the quality of how our event is produced and organized.”

Running has always spurred thoughts and dreams for Jeff, throughout his life. The longer the run, the crazier the ideas… so, it is not far-fetched to say that this idea happened while Jeff was running on Kauai on a particularly glorious morning on the dirt road to Mahaulepu.

“As the sun was rising, my thought was simply this, ‘I wish everyone could witness this beautiful island and stunning scenery from my vantage point as a runner in an organized, world class event.’” Jeff reflects. “My only problem was, I had never organized a bake sale, yet alone a top-notch running event. But with the help of many, the idea morphed into a reality a few years later.”

Jeff shares that his wife and kids have observed/supported/participated in many of his endeavors both personally and professionally.

“Some have been great ideas, others not so much. There have been start-up business ventures, crazy trips, wild ideas, and worldwide adventures. Again, some memorable and others I want to forget,” he laughs. “But the ideas always came, and I was always willing to try…and my wife is always a willing partner to support and perfect many of them.”

Looking to find out more and follow the marathon, check out, www.thekauaimarathon.com; Instagram: @thekauaimarathon Facebook: The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon, or email: [email protected] to get in touch.

I will leave you here with a few stats as we look toward September 2nd:

Age demographics:

• Oldest Full- 78
• Youngest Full- 16
• Oldest Half- 87
• Youngest Half- 9

Pounds of ice on the course on race day:

9,500 pounds

Gallons of water on course on race day:

1,600 gallons

Volunteers:

600 on race day

Good luck to all the participants and for those produce lovers who want to stretch their running legs, it is not too late!

Daylight Foods