Epic5 Run FAQs

 

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Q. What airport(s) should I use for the start and end of the Epic5 Run Hawaii?
A. The Run starts on Kauai so you’ll want to fly into Lihue at least two days prior to the first run so you can join us for a welcome lunch on the day prior to the first 50K.

The event ends on Hawaii Island (the Big Island) so you can either fly out of Kona (near where the event ends) or Hilo (on the other side of the island). We will book your inter-island flights for you (additional charge–see itinerary for cost details). The event ends with a celebration dinner on the last day of the event so it’s recommended that you book your departure flight for the following day at the earliest.

Q. How do we get from one island to the next?
A. We will be traveling together and ask that all athletes, crew and staff wear an EPIC5 piece of apparel to represent our group. This may be a shirt, hat or visor, jacket or other item of your choice. You’ll receive one or more of these items in your swag bag.

With the exception of Kauai to Oahu, which is a larger plane, we will be split into smaller planes depending on the number of athletes and crew. 

Q. What are the baggage restrictions on flights?
A. In terms of flights to/from Hawaii, it all depends on the airline and your status with them. We recommend you check your airline’s website for their policy.

As for inter-island flights, we often use small charter flights for the event. These smaller aircraft usually charge for checked baggage. Closer to the event we can provide more details about which flights we’ll be booking but here’s an example of what Mokulele Airlines charges per checked bag:
$20 – 1st Bag
$30 – 2nd Bag
$50 – 3 or more (each bag; will travel on a space available basis)

Note that overhead bins are either quite small or are non-existent on inter-island flights so expect to check your bag. If it is a flight on which you can bring a carry-on, please note most airline’s restrictions:

* Carry-On Baggage is subject to a maximum outside dimension of 22”W x 14″H x 9″L with a maximum weight of 15 lbs.
* Maximum outside dimensions for checked items is 30″W x 15″H x 45″L with a maximum weight of 70 lbs.

We encourage you to pack very light for the event. We’ll provide a packing list for all athletes.

All associated costs for luggage are the responsibility of the athlete.

Q. Where should I stay before, during and after the Epic5 Run?
A. We will provide suggestions on where to stay. We are working on possible group rates at a hotel chain on the islands but AirBnBs and camping are alternatives for those not wanting the hotel package.

Q. How should I get from the airport to my accommodations?
A. If you opt for the transportation package ($275 per person), we will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the end of the event if you arrive two days before the event and depart the day after the event. You may rent cars on each of the islands (and this is the best option if you are bringing your own crew member).

PREPARING FOR THE RACES

Q. How do the relay teams work?
A. If you’re unsure whether you can run all five 50Ks, consider organizing a relay team and share the event with friends! As long as each registered athlete runs at least one 50K, you are all eligible for a race “buckle.” Each team member must run at least one full race and may run up to four races. Multiple members on a team may run the same race.

Q. Why is there a cost for additional people on a relay team?
A. While there may only be one of you running each day, the additional cost of $250 (plus inter-island flights estimated $650) covers the Epic5 Run swag bag, pre- and post-race meals and snacks during the event.

Q. What should I pack for the Epic5 Run
A. We provide a detailed packing list to all registered runners. In short, because of the baggage restrictions on the inter-island flights, we encourage all athletes to pack as light as possible. Often athletes will leave a bag behind on Kauai if they are returning to that island after the event or mail a box of post-event clothes to the Big Island if they plan to stay there afterward.

DURING THE EVENT

Q. What does a typical event day look like?
A. Each run starts at 6AM. Depending on how much prep time you’ll need, expect to rise around 4 or 4:30AM to get packed up and ready for the day. We’ll meet up at the starting point and be prepped for the day by one of the race directors to ensure we are all familiar with the course for the day.

There will be aid stations along the course every four to ten miles depending on the course and where race directors have access. Snacks and water will be available. If you have crew members, they may stop along the course (where appropriate) to provide food and drink for you as well.

Cutoff times for the first four runs is 2PM to give us enough time to get to the airport for our flight to the next island. We are more flexible on the final day as our only commitment is dinner  – WHOO HOO!

After each day’s run, we should have time to wash up, grab a quick bite to eat and get to the airport for our flights. What we have time for depends on how fast the group is and what time our flight departs (this is different on each island and is dependent upon the airline’s schedule).

Once we arrive at the next island in the early evening, we’ll grab another bite to eat or stop by a grocery store and then make our way to our accommodations. The evening is generally spent recovering, getting ready for the next day’s event and sleeping!

Q. Will there be a “finish line” and timing mats?
A. There will not be timing mats at the beginning, end or along the route. While there will be cutoff times, we encourage you to track your own time (and distance) for each day’s run. There will be no first, second or third place winners, only finishers and participants.

At the end of the day, you may end up with just slightly more or less than a 50K depending on how accurate your device tracks the run.

This is a challenge, not a race and, as such, we want you to pace yourself for endurance and finish the event vs. race each day as fast as you can and not be able to finish.

Q. What happens if I don’t make the cutoff time?
A. We’ll do everything we can to support and encourage you on the course so that you do make the cutoff time. While it is a possibility that you miss it, our main deadline is getting to the flight on time so, depending on the day and flight time, there will likely be additional time to finish. Worse case scenario is that you DNF for a specific day, in which case, you can rally and start the next day’s run.

Q. Should I rent a car or take advantage of the transportation package?
A. That is really up to you. If you choose our transportation package ($275), it’ll make it much easier for you in that you won’t have to worry about picking up and dropping off a car on each island and navigating areas you may not be familiar with. You will need to stay at accommodations within five miles of the starting point in order for us to pick up and drop off athletes in a timely manner.

If you choose to rent a car, it will give you some freedom in terms of getting to restaurants, grocery stores and to the starting point but it will definitely cost more than our transportation package.

Q. What is the course like and what does the elevation profile look like?
A. While the course won’t be finalized until closer to the event, the elevation profile will range from an average of 3,000 – 5,000 feet gained each day.

Q. What will the weather be like on the islands?
A. We start early in the morning because days can get quite warm (expect as high as mid-80s). If skies are clear, expect blazing heat but if we’re lucky with cloudy skies, it can be quite pleasant. Because the course includes forested trails, farms and roads, there will be a variety of temperatures. Overall, it will be warm and shorts and tank tops will be appropriate.

We may have some (refreshing) rain on occasion but nothing is guaranteed!

OTHER QUESTIONS

Q. Why are there so few athletes involved?
A. This is a very special event in a very special location. Because the event takes place on roads that are not closed for the event and are on trails where we want to tread lightly, we keep the numbers low in order to have as light of an impact on the communities we visit as possible.

Q. Why is travel/medical insurance so important?
A. We realize you are making a large financial investment and large commitment of time to join us in Hawaii. Having travel insurance (including “cancel for any reason” insurance) helps protect that investment. Separately, having medical/evacuation insurance, ensures that if something happens to you during the event, you can get the medical attention you need without breaking your bank!

Q. When is final payment due?
A. Final payment for the Epic5 Run is due June 1, 2023, 4 months prior to the start of the event. We need this amount of time to confirm inter-island flights on your behalf as well as swag, accommodations, shuttle reservations and the Epic5 staff.

Q. Do I need to have my own personal crew and what is their role?
A. It’s definitely not required on the Epic5 Run that you have your own crew (although it’s a pretty cush job for a significant other or friend!).

Beth, the race director for the run had her husband as her crew and he said, “There’s nothing better than driving around the islands doing 15 miles an hour sipping coffee from the local coffee shop and getting to know the backroads where no tourists ever go.”

While that’s partially true, it’s really a matter of how involved your crew wants to be. And to be clear, you do NOT need crew. There’s plenty of support staff from Epic5 that you’ll be more than well taken care of.

The reality is that crew could do anything from rent a car and be your transportation (we do offer a transportation package), run errands for you during the event (like getting ice, cold drinks, food, etc.) or help with your recovery and getting ready for the next day’s event.

This is an easy enough event that you can do it on your own. And by “easy enough,” we mean compared to the folks doing other Epic5 events like 5 (or 10) triathlons in 5 (or 10) days. These folks absolutely do need crew.