 |
|
|
Sharon's Run
The anti-Kapiolani Park Run: Sharon’s Run into Diamond Head Crater By Ed Kemper Many feel that the Mecca of running on Oahu centers on Kapiolani Park fronting famous Waikiki Beach. With Diamond Crater in the background, a redone Pavilion, and the Park being the finisher’s point for the Honolulu Marathon, what is there to not to like? Well, maybe, the fact that every other race on Oahu centers around the Park. For some, this fact may make the typical Park run somewhat dull. It was this thought that was the genesis for the new in 2006 Sharon’s Run into Diamond Head Crater. A couple of years ago, the Epilepsy Foundation of Hawaii started Sharon’s Ride as a benefit for the Foundation. The starting and ending point of this bicycle ride was the parking lot at Kapiolani Community College. Lengths varied from 10k to 50 miles, and as an added bonus a one-mile walk was thrown in for the none cyclist. In 2005, the Epilepsy Board decided to add a 5k run for the 2006 event. Instead of shifting to Kapiolani Park, the decision was made to stay at KCC and take the runners on a completely new route into and out of Diamond Head Crater. Easy to say, but not so easy to do. Master course designer Ron Pate laid out the route. The usual street permit was not a problem, but the State of Hawaii Parks Department controlled both the inside and outside the Crater. After working with a cooperative Park staff, and including their suggestion that the runners could use a normally unavailable side road on the slopes of Diamond Head rather the more dangerous Diamond Head Road, permission was granted. The end result was a run with a view. From the starting point
at the top of the KCC parking, thru and up to the top of the other
side of the parking lot, down Mokapu Avenue by Diamond Head Theater,
onto the slopes of the Crater, into the tunnel of Crater to the
parking lot and back, the views and scenery is both diverse and
dramatic. To say the least and to put it kindly, there are some
elevation changes (as in lots). But to many runners trading a somewhat
slower time was worth the trip. So if your enthused by a new running route, mark your calendar for Sharon’s Ride, Run, and Walk for Sunday, January 28, 2007. Last Updated: May 22, 2006 |
| Home
| Advertise | Feedback
| Local News |
Local Features | Message
Board | Pictures | Previous
Issues | Race Schedule
| Races on TV | Race
Results | Race
Reviews | Resources
| Subscribe
| Workout
Schedule |