MEDIA RELEASE

Held on Hawaii Island, the Big Island, this athletic event kicks off with a complimentary and welcoming Runners’ Luncheon and Reception 11 a.m.-1pm. Friday, Aug.17.

The Volcano Rain Forest Runs are supported by Volcano community organizations, businesses and residents, and the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development with more than 160 volunteers from around the island. The race courses wind through the beautiful village of Volcano, starting and ending at Cooper Center on Wright Road.

This inspiring and lush, tropical rain forest setting, with stunning views of the majestic volcanoes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, is one of the most captivating venues for a running event in the world. Only minutes away from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park… where else can you run on an active volcano? … the awe-inspiring and ever-erupting, Kilauea Volcano.

Spectacular views await you as all the race courses are on roads nestled in the native rain forest within quaint Volcano Village, with the Half Marathon continuing up into the Mauna Loa ranch lands beyond the village.

* Friday, August 17 Events

Runner Packet Pick-Up from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus.

Guided Rain Forest Tours starting at 10 a.m., and continuing at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Join one of our charismatic interpretive guides for an easy 45-minute tour of the pristine, old growth Niaulani Rain Forest, just steps away from Runner Registration at Volcano Art Center. These guided interpretive walks are free, thanks to the County of Hawaii and Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Runner’s Welcome Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus. Enjoy complimentary pupus and wine, sponsored by Barefoot Wine. Catering by the Green Goose Gourmet. Bring your family, fellow runners and guests.

All-You-Can-Eat Carbo Load and Salad Buffet from 5-7pm at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Load up on energy, and on “ono grinds” – great food.

Stop by Invading Consciousness, a multimedia art exhibit featuring local artist Wayne Keeth. Inspired by the natural environment and lush rain forest, Wayne has created paintings, jewelry and forest furniture… and a little whimsy.

Wayne is best known for his vivid paintings of orchids and his casting of organic materials, including orchids, which First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned to give as gifts to visiting nations’ Presidents’ wives during APEC last November.Sponsored in part by the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

* Race Day: Saturday, Aug. 18

Action begins at the Cooper Center Community Center with an Opening Ceremony at 6:30 a.m. Cooper Center hosts the Start/Finish for all three races, live music, Free Keiki (Children’s) Fun Runs for kids ages 1-7 years (sponsored by Kilauea Lodge), kids booths, food booths, health and wellness booths, silent auction and more.

Overall male and female winners for each race receive awards donated by local Big Island artists and age division winners receive lei hand picked and crafted by local lei makers, and reproductions of Volcano Art Center hosts this event annually, creating a community event that everyone can participate in.

Bring your race number into Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and receive 10 percent off at VAC Gallery from Friday, Aug. 17 through Monday, Aug. 20.

— Find out more:
www.volcanoartcenter.org