What’s a RAGNAR Race?

Hilo, HI to Hapuna Bay, HI
November 4-5, 2017

Lissette and I knew another extreme athletic event was on island when we were returning from dinner in the mountain town of Waimea at 8:00 pm on Saturday night. As we descended the narrow and winding, Kawaihae road toward the coast, we spotted someone running against traffic and up hill toward us-dangerous. As we approached we could see the runner had “Christmas” lights on their vest and a light mounted on their head. We knew they were definitely not “local” because know one that drove this road, night or day, would run on it at night. We continued to pass numerous other runners on the Queen “K” highway all the way home to Mauna Lani. Their support vehicles were stacked along the side of the road-all decorated with bright banners, inflated animal figures and glow in the dark paint.

The “night” runners peaked our interest and we decided to do a web search to figure out who had invaded our island this time. Low and behold we found the group-RAGNAR. Ragnar’s website says, “Ragnar is about doing things together that we could never do alone – either out running on the road or on the trail. Feed your sense of wonder and explore the two options-Ragnar Relay or Ragnar Trail.” I think they should also add-“we run at night against traffic on dangerous roads on remote pacific islands”-haha.

On Sunday we continued to observe runners streaming in and out of the Waikoloa Beach Resort, Mauna Lani Resort. From what I could discern from my brief perusal of the Ragnar website, they were all being hosted at the Hapuna Beach Hotel in the Mauna Kea Resort. We wish all of the participants and support crew a big ALOHA with hopes that all arrive safely back to the finish line-wherever that is!!

Click here to check out their website for more information.

From Ragnar’s website:

Ragnar in Paradise

This is the one you’ve dreamed of: Ragnar in paradise. Make no mistake, you’ll have plenty of hills (volcanoes) to climb, but the views — oh, those ocean views — will make it all worth it.

Here’s what we’ve done to make the ultimate Ragnar even better in 2017. Both exchange 18 and the finish line are located at the majestic Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, making it easier for your team to make arrangements for a couple nights of luxury. You’re also invited to the Pre-race Party where you’ll enjoy drinks, Hawaiian food, and live music at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Come feel the warm embrace of the aloha spirit. Gather your team and come discover hues of blue that you never knew existed. Come pay your respects to Pele – the volcano goddess. Come for the challenge of running through 7 of the world’s climates in 200 miles and conquering more elevation than any other Ragnar course. Come feed your hunger for adventure, and leave transformed.

Prepare to raise the bar for your sense of wonder.