Adventure seekers can now run a marathon while taking in the beautiful island scenery of Kosrae, a small island in the Federated States of Micronesia. That’s because The Rockhopper Adventure Trail Run will return Monday, September 1st (Labor Day) after the launch of its first successful run back in November of 2013. This year, the event promises to be even more exciting – so if you’re seeking another adventure, consider a pleasant jog in Kosrae: it might literally and figuratively take your breath away.
Kosrae might just be the closest thing to the tropical island screensaver that frequents your computer monitor. The secluded 42-square-mile island is an internationally acclaimed diver destination, located halfway between Hawaii and Guam. It boasts some of the world’s most pristine coral reefs and blue-water dive sites.
If you plan on attending the event, you will also have the weekend prior to explore Kosrae’s rain and mangrove forests, as well as the ancient ruins of Lelu, built by hand over the course of several hundred years. In fact, the tropical and historic landscape might just be the perfect distraction your body needs in order to complete the marathon.
The 5.7 mile run will include both on-road and off-road terrain (about 2 miles on pavement), which will begin in front of the Kosrae Nautilus Resort starting at 6am; from there, the trail heads south to a ‘Y’ intersection before finally making a U-turn onto the off road portion of the run. You will then travel another 3 miles through a local village, where you can steal glances at the mangrove canals before the trail empties out onto a main road in Tafunsak and heads back to the finish line at Kosrae Nautilus.
Runners around the world should make this their next travel destination. It doesn’t matter if running is not really your forte because this trail can be completed without too much difficulty (walk if you have to!). The best adventure, however, is just exploring the island itself…
Besides, I know you’re getting tired of staring into your screensaver.
To register, click here. Crystal clear blue waters are awaiting your arrival.
