Gunstock Trails Half Marathon & 5k

Post Race!

2011-10-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

We felt our 2nd Annual Gunstock Trails half marathon and 5k went really well and were so happy with the cool morning and know that most of you enjoyed that little bit of rain right after the gun went off! We were so impressed by all of you! It amazes me how fast some of you can run on that terrain. It amazes me what good attitudes you bring and share with other runners around you. It amazes me to learn of your "why's" for running and some of the amazing things you've overcome. It really is a privilege to put on this race for you!

We are so excited about next year that we are offering a HUGE discount on registration if you sign up by this Halloween. That's Monday! Next year's race will take place on October 13, 2012. You can sign up now on active.com. http://www.active.com/running/laie-hi/gunstock-trails-half-marathon-and-5k-2012?int=29-6

You can view Race Results at http://www.timelinehawaii.com/2011_races.htm

We would love to hear feedback from you-please email gunstockhalfmarathon@gmail.com! We would also love for you to share your pics with us (crossfit peeps - I know you all took a few ;-). You can email them to us or share them on our facebook page - speaking of which, if you don't already like us - please do! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gunstock-Trails-Half-Marathon-and-5k-Laie-Hawaii/185622024842091

Mahalo - until next year!
the Gunstock Team

updates and instructions

2011-10-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

It's RACE WEEK!!

Here are some final updates and instructions!

Packet and Number Pick Up:
We have two options for number pick up this year. On Friday, the 14th, we'll be having a number pick up at the Running Room in Honolulu from 3-7 p.m. 819 Kapahulu Avenue 808.737.2422. This will give you a chance to get a little more sleep on race morning, have your number all pinned on and ready to go, and get some last minutes supplies and nutrition.

You can also pick up your number at the race site on race morning beginning at 5 a.m. and no later than 6:30 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Whether you pick up your number on Friday night or Saturday morning, you will still need to get your chip on Saturday morning! Please get there early,WE WANT TO START ON TIME and we anticipate about 300 runners!

Athletes may also register in person at either of these places.

Directions and Parking:
Gunstock Ranch is about 1 mile north of Laie on Kamehameha Highway. Coming from Honolulu, head past Kaneohe north on Kamehameha Hwy past Laie, and turn left at the Gunstock Ranch sign. Coming from Haleiwa, head south on Kamehameha Highway. Go through Kahuku, and then after about a mile look for the Gunstock Ranch sign on the right side of the road.

Once you turn off Kamehameha Highway at the Gunstock Ranch sign, follow the signs to the Parking Area, which is near the corral
Gunstock Ranch
56-250 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, Hi 96762

Aid Stations:
5k will have one aid station with water at mile 1.5

Half marathon:
water at 1.5
water at 4.5
Elyte electrolytes and water at 5.5
water and accel Gel's at mile 8 (turnaround)
Elyte electrolytes and water at mile 10

www.elyteedge.com

Prizes:
We have some great local sponsors again this year and will have some fun prizes to give away. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall male and female runners in both the 5k and the half marathon. Age groups will be 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 & up. A prize will be give to the first place winner of each age group. We will have an awards ceremony for the 5k at 8:00 a.m. and an awards ceremony for the half-marathon at 9:30 a.m.

All runners will receive a t-shirt, special finishers prize and goodie bag! (those who sign up at packet pick ups are not guaranteed t-shirts, finishers prizes or goodie bags)

Facebook and carpooling:
I noticed on our facebook page some of you advertising for carpooling. If you're interested in that check out (and like) our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gunstock-Trails-Half-Marathon-and-5k-Laie-Hawaii/185622024842091

INFO

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our online registration is now closed. If you'd still like to join us for Gunstock 2011, it's not too late. We have two more options for registration.

Friday, October 14
3-7 p.m.
The Running Room
819 Kapahulu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
808.737.2422

Saturday, October 15
5:00 - 6:30 a.m.
Gunstock Ranch-race site
56-250 Kam Hwy
Laie, Hi

For these on site registrations options the half marathon is $45 and the 5k is $30, please bring cash!

With other questions or concerns you may email gunstockhalfmarathon@gmail.com or
call or text 435.619.0722 - Natalie

Where you'll be running!

2011-10-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Here is the official Course map for 2011!

2nd Annual Gunstock Trails half marathon and 5k

2011-07-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's official! The 2nd annual Gunstock Trails half marathon and 5k will be held at the Gunstock Ranch at 7 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2011! Registration is now open on active.com, check out the link at the right!!

We felt that last year we had an excellent event and are going to make it even better this year!

One addition to our schedule will be the option of picking up your race number the night before at the Running Room between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m. This will give you a chance to get some extra zzzz's on race morning as well as pick up a few last minute running supplies. We will still have number pick-up on race morning at the race as well!

We look forward to another great year! Post wishes or suggestions to comments or email us at gunstockhalfmarathon@gmail.com

Race Day Pics!

2010-11-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Race Pic Instructions

2010-11-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/fanijfotoproofs/ and your pics are right there! no passwords needed. now ain't that swell! (and speaking of swells, we've got quite the huge one on north shore this week, eh.)
thanks!
fani j.

RACE RESULTS ARE IN!

2010-11-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of our participants!

We had a BEAUTIFUL day at Gunstock Ranch.

We are thrilled with the results and
each individual effort.

YOU ARE ALL AMAZING AND INSPIRING!

We are glad you found your way to the finish line.

See your Race Results below:

5k RESULTS
http://www.kevinandnan.com/Gunstock5kresults.pdf

HALF MARATHON RESULTS

http://www.kevinandnan.com/GunstockHalfResults.pdf

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

final race update

2010-10-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Aloha Gunstock Racers,
I am finally in Hawaii and am loving the Aloha Spirit. I got the opportunity to run your half marathon and 5k course! It is really fun and beautiful. You will have a great time navigating the trails of the Gunstock Ranch. I actually saw cattle and horses! This course is most definitely a trail run so be prepared for the extra caution that brings. You'll want to watch your steps closely and please be courteous to those around you when the trails get narrow for small bits at a time. There are a lot of ups and downs and there are also some great flat spots on better roads where you can find your form and make up some time. There are spots on the course that the views are amazing! You'll even get to run by an old WWII bunker that I've heard may or may not be haunted! The course will be marked really well. The yellow ribbons indicate the 5k course and the blue indicate the half course on the way out and pink are the half course on the way back. We will have volunteers on the course pointing the way to go so pay close attention to them. Listen as well because at the spot that the 5k runners break off from the half runners, you want to make sure you go the right way. It would also be a good idea to study the map that was sent out with the last update. Remember all the updates are on the blog www.gunstockhalfmarathon.blogspot.com (please read these if you just registered!)

I got to run the course in the mud and the rain which was an extra fun challenge I'm not wishing for you, so send all your postiive vibes out there that it will dry up until Saturday Afternoon!

Just a reminder that number pick-up begins at 5:30 a.m and goes until 6:30 a.m. Please be there in time to pick up your number by 6:30 so we can start on time!

Both races begin at 7 a.m.

There will be an awards ceremony for each race:
5k at 8 a.m.
half marathon at 9:30 a.m.

We will have a few vendors selling food after the race if you want to bring some extra money!

Race Update #2, race day info

2010-10-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

Aloha Gunstock Runners!

Here are a few more bits of information to help you on race day!

Packet and Number Pick-Up:
Number pick-up will begin race morning at 5:30 and end at 6:30! Please be there in time to get your number by 6:30; we want to start this race on time!!! Both races begin at 7 a.m.

You will receive your race goodie bag and t-shirt after you finish the race! This way you don't have worry about a place to store it while you are running!

Info for your friends:
Please let your friends who are interested in our race know that there is a $5 price increase taking effect after October 25th, so sign up quickly, that's today! Race Day registration is also available from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. and includes the $5 price increase.

We could use some more amazing volunteers for aid stations, pointing directions, etc. If you know anyone who is interested, maybe someone coming to cheer you on who wants a front row seat, please have them email Angel at angelinparadise17@yahoo.com

Directions and Parking:
Gunstock Ranch is about 1 mile north of Laie on Kamehameha Highway. Coming from Honolulu, head past Kaneohe north on Kamehameha Hwy past Laie, and turn left at the Gunstock Ranch sign. Coming from Haleiwa, head south on Kamehameha Highway. Go through Kahuku, and then after about a mile look for the Gunstock Ranch sign on the right side of the road.

Once you turn off Kamehameha Highway at the Gunstock Ranch sign, follow the signs to the Parking Area, which is near the corral

Prizes:
Each Runner will receive a finishers medal! Prizes will be awarded to the overall 3 male and female winners in the half marathon and 5k. There will also be a first place prize given in each age group category. The age groups will be Under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 & up! This includes half marathon men, half marathon women, 5k men, and 5k women! We are rounding up some really fun prizes from local businesses!!

Aid Stations:
5k Aid Station
The 5k Aid Station is at the halfway point--Mile 1.5

Half Marathon
For the Half Marathon, you'll run through a total of 5 aid stations:
-1.5 Mile mark (same as the 5k runners)
-4.15 mile mark (same aid station as the first one--this is your second time through this section)
-5.5 mile mark
-8 mile mark (this is the turnaround point)
-10.1 mile mark (this is the same aid station as at the 5.5 mile mark)

Each Aid Station will have water and an orange flavored electrolyte drink called Want More Energy. The aid station which you run through at the 5.5 mile mark and again at the 10.1 mile mark will also have protein bars called IsaLean® Bars, cut into bite size portions!

What should I know about Want More Energy?
Want More Energy? is natural fuel for the body, it gives you endurance and sustains your energy without caffeine or stimulants. Available in three delicious flavors—orange, grape and citrus—Want More Energy? contains only natural ingredients, a few grams of sugar and only 35 calories per serving.

How can I benefit from taking Want More Energy?
While most energy drinks contain excess amounts of caffeine and sugar that cause you to crash, Want More Energy? gives you endurance and sustains your energy naturally without caffeine or other stimulants like ma-huang or ephedrine, so you never experience a “sugar crash.” Want More Energy? may also increase and improve mental and physical performance.

What should I know about IsaLean® Bars?
Our exclusively sourced bars are packed with high-quality, undenatured whey protein from cows that are pasture-fed and not treated with hormones or antibiotics. The whey protein is low in lactose and high in branch-chained amino acids for maintaining muscle and promoting muscle growth.

How can I benefit from eating IsaLean® Bars?
You’re getting an all-natural, healthy meal-replacement that contains only about 260 calories that is convenient and quick.

**The Course Map at the top of the page shows the location of the mile markers, aid stations, and porta pottie!

See you in 5 days!
Your Gunstock Team,
Natalie, Angel, Kevin, Karla, and Rachel

Race Update #1

2010-10-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Aloha Runners! This is the latest race update we sent out to all our registered runners!

Thanks for registering for the Gunstock Half Marathon and 5k at the Gunstock Ranch. We are so excited you will be joining us on Saturday October 30th. Race day is just over 2 weeks away and we are making final preparations to make this an amazing experience for you! Expect frequent emails in the next 2 weeks to keep you posted and ready for race day!

First item of business is that there has been a change in the start time of the 5k from what was originally posted. The 5k will start at 7 a.m. with the half marathoners rather than at 7:15.

And for fun check out October's Runner's World Issue! There are 20 pages dedicated to trail running! If you don't get the magazine here are the links to the articles in the feature:

"Ode to Dirt" http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-511-0-13669-0,00.html
"Scramble to Finish" http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-511-0-13671-0,00.html
"Inside Job" http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-511-0-13668-0,00.html
"Where the Sidewalk Ends" http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-238-511-0-13667-0,00.html

New Sponsors!

2010-10-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce two new sponsors for our race!

North Shore Catamarans and Fani Foto!

Click on the links at the right under "Our Sponsors" to check our their websites!

North Shore Catamarans is providing us with a gift certificate for 2 adults on a sunset cruise. We're still deciding who gets it :-) We'll let ya know!

Fani Foto will be providing race day photography so you can remember this fun event! Stefani is an extremely talented fotographer so practice your peace signs and toyota jumps!!

Race day is just 2 weeks away!!!

Grand Prize Announcement!

2010-08-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

Exciting News!! Our First Place male and female half marathon runner's will each receive a 2-night stay at the Turtle Bay Resort! Check out www.turtlebayresort.com and see why you might want to start doing some speedwork!
Click on the link at the right under "Our Sponsors" to go to Turtle Bay's website!

Course Descriptions

2010-08-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

We've got our courses mapped out! Big Thanks to Kevin for your work on the courses, maps and the awesome descriptions!!

Gunstock 5K Race
The Gunstock 5K is a trail run through a working ranch. Don't expect paved roads, get ready for some hills, and watch out for horse apples and cow pies!

The race follows Jeep trails, cow paths, and sometimes open pasture. The first 2 miles are mostly climbing, topping out at 314 feet above sea level. The last mile heads downhill quickly. Total elevation gain for the course is 292 feet, and total loss is 284 feet.
The race starts right past the Rodeo Arena through an open pasture, heading into the sun and the wind over a short rise before dipping down to the lowest part of the course. You'll follow a Jeep trail for about a half mile before turning onto a cow trail. You'll then follow a Jeep trail along a ridge, steadily climbing about 100 feet by Mile 1.
There are a couple of downhill sections you'll definitely want to take advantage of the next 800 yards or so to make up for all the climbing you'll be doing (another 100-foot rise in elevation) to the halfway point and the only Water Station.
The course then turns onto a level dirt road, until you turn onto the "Skinny Trail" shortcut, a path the cows have worn through thick forest. You'll quickly rise through the forest before emerging on another Jeep trail that rolls up to Mile 2.
Mile 2 is also the highest point of the course--Hinckley Hill. You'll want to stop and gaze at the sweeping ocean view of the entire Koolau region--all the way to Kailua--or explore the old World War II bunker, but then you'll remember you're almost done, and it's almost all downhill from here!
The last 1.1 miles follows a dirt road and drops steeply down Hinckley Hill and back toward the starting line. You'll lose 240 feet of altitude this last mile, so take advantage. But, as always, watch for rocks, ruts, and other surprises the animals have left in your path.
The course finishes right past the Arena again, where you'll enjoy a post-race snack, clean the mud from your shoes, and cheer on the Half Marathon finishers eventually showing up.
---------------------
Gunstock Half Marathon
The Gunstock Half Marathon is a trail run through a working ranch. Don't expect paved roads, get ready for some hills, and watch out for horse apples and cow pies!

The race follows Jeep trails, cow paths, dirt/gravel roads, paved roads, and sometimes open pasture. There are 4 steep hills on the course, topping out at 321 feet above sea level.
Total elevation gain for the course is 1,405 feet, and total loss is 1,397 feet.
The race starts right past the Rodeo Arena through an open pasture, heading into the sun and the wind over a short rise before dipping down to a Jeep trail. You'll follow the trail for about a half mile before turning onto a cow trail. You'll then follow a Jeep trail along a ridge, steadily climbing about 100 feet by Mile 1.
There are a couple of downhill sections you'll definitely want to take advantage of the next 800 yards or so to make up for all the climbing you'll be doing (another 100-foot rise in elevation) to the 1.5-mile point and the first Water Station.
The course then turns onto a level dirt road, until you turn onto the "Skinny Trail" shortcut, a path the cows have worn through thick forest. You'll quickly rise through the forest before emerging on another Jeep trail that rolls up to Mile 2.
Mile 2 is also the highest point of the course--Hinckley Hill. You'll want to stop and gaze at the sweeping ocean view of the entire Koolau region--all the way to Kailua--or explore the old World War II bunker, but then you'll remember you've got 11 miles to go. Plus, you'll climb this hill again toward the end of the race.
After screaming down the hill, at about the 2.5 mile mark, you'll break off from the 5K runners and follow a rolling Jeep trail until you get back on the same Cow Trail you turned onto at the 1/2-mile mark. You'll follow the course again for another mile or so until you hit the first Water station again, at about 4.25 miles.
You'll then follow a new Jeep trail down into a shady forest. Watch your footing here--you'll be heading down into a valley, and there are roots, rocks, and slippery pine needles. Once you cross the dry river bed, you'll rise steeply through pine trees and emerge on another Jeep trail. After another 1/2-mile or so, you'll quickly descend the Rocky Ridge trail, which is very aptly named. Pick your way through this section and you'll be fine.
The next mile follows a dirt/gravel road through several farms--a good place to make up some time as it gently descends to the low point of the course--Mile 6.
After this Water Station, you'll hit the only paved road of the course, which heads up past the Sewer Plant, giving you extra motivation to either run quickly through this section or hold your breath. You'll follow another dirt road, and get ready for a steep ascent--over 200 feet in about a half a mile.
At the top of Water Tower Hill, Mile 7, you'll descend a concrete road even more quickly than getting up the hill. You'll then follow a dirt/gravel road through the Concrete Quarry to the Water Station at the turn-around point at about 7.8 miles.
On the way back, you'll take a shortcut around the Water Tower hill (we wanted to give you a break), but you'll still have a bit of an ascent at Mile 9 to get back up to the Sewer Plant.
Heading back the way you came, you'll pass the Water Station at about Mile 10, go through the farms again, up Rocky Ridge trail, and then back down through the slippery pine needles. On the way back up, you'll take another Cow path shortcut that wends its way through some tricky roots and branches, and finally opens up to another pasture.
You'll follow another cow path, winding your way up a ridge until you meet up again at Mile 11.5 with the original 5K trail to the top of Hinckley Hill.
The last 1.1 miles follows a dirt road and drops steeply down Hinckley Hill and back toward the starting line. You'll lose 240 feet of altitude this last mile, so take advantage. But, as always, watch for rocks, ruts, and other surprises the animals have left in your path.
The course finishes right past the Arena again, where you'll enjoy a post-race snack, clean the mud from your shoes, and enjoy the fun activities everyone else has been doing while you were racing through the ranch.

Introduction

2010-06-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Gunstock Trails half marathon & 5k official blog! We are just getting the ball rolling on what we are planning to make an amazing racing event! The run will be challenging and beautiful and the after party will be a blast. Stay tuned for more details such as course descriptions, elevation maps, announcements of prizes, and more specifics on the fun! Please email any questions to Natalie at gunstockhalfmarathon@gmail.com!