The ‘Oahu Perimeter Solos Run
March 2-4th, 2012.
This is the unofficial, unsupported, ‘Do-It-Yourself Anyway-You-Want’, Oahu perimeter run.
Each year a group of intrepid individuals comes together to run around Oahu, and complete the longest ultra run that occurs on Oahu during the year. This year’s venture will commence Friday, March 2nd, at 6:00pm at the Aloha Tower, and end approximately 135 miles later back at the same spot sometime Sunday afternoon, March 4th.
You need not run this alone, and teams are welcome. As noted it is an anyway you want kind of run.
This is an informal, no rules, no fee’s, individual-bear-your-own-risk kind of venture. Runners are often expected to self support themselves at stores or parks. We are occasionally fortunate enough to have informal volunteer support teams, but can not count on that. If you run out of steam, or come up lame, you need your own support network, or bus fare ($2.50 exact), as there is no guarantee anyone will be around to bail you out.
Though there are no rules, it is highly recommended that each runner be garbed in reflective gear (Vest, arm bands,belt, bright hat), bright shirt, and reflectors. Night-time lights, strobes and reflector/blinkers are recommended as well. Each runner should also allow for the possibility of wet and cool weather or hot and sunny conditions. Sufficient water carrying capacity and electrolytes are a must.
The need for Individual safety can not be overemphasized. Roads often have little or no verge, sidewalk, or room for a walker or a runner. Drivers are not always willing to give right-of-way to pedestrians. In addition running along roadways for extended periods of time can become unpleasant and draining. Potential runners should understand these conditions and the problems of ultra distance ventures and be ready to deal with them as they present themselves.
The general route is Honolulu, Ala Moana, Waikiki, Kahala, to Hawaii Kai. Hawaii Kai backside to Kalama, Sandy’s, Makapu’u, Waimanalo, Kailua. Kailua to Aikahi, Kaneohe. Kaneohe via He’eia, Kahalu’u, Kualoa, Ka’a’awa, Kahana, Punalu’u, Hau’ula to Laie and the North Shore. Laie to Kahuku, Kuilima, Pupukea, Waimea, to Haleiwa. Haleiwa to Waialua, Mokuleia, Peacocks if we Dare, Dillingham, Kaena Point Trail, to Yokahama Bay and the Leeward Side. Makua, Makaha, Waianae, Nanakuli, Kahe, Where-the-Hell-is-the-Road, Ewa Plain, to Waipahu. Waipahu along the Pearl Harbor Bike Trail to Kamehameha Highway, to Nimitz Highway to the Aloha Tower. Easy and almost as quick as saying the names!
Teams are welcome, participants doing partial runs are welcome, support runners are always welcome, and of course aid along the way is very welcome. Runners are free to set their own pace, determine their own aid stops and pretty much go it as they see fit. In the past a core group of runners has chosen to move in a loose group which increases runner safety.
In the past the goal is for teams and solos to reach Waialua/Dillingham about the same time Saturday evening in order to facilitate the safe passage of groups around the Kaena Point trail and through Yokohama, which from time to time can be a bit lawless and rude. (Teams can generally plan on an Aloha Tower departure sometime Saturday morning, with a Haleiwa arrival Saturday evening.)
If you are interested in venturing out upon this non-event either as a team or as a solo, you can contact me for details. If you would like to offer unofficial aid or support. which is always welcome, please contact me as well. (Mikem- manoahouse at hotmail) Aloha!