Racers Eyeing Kauai Marathon Speed Challenge

Tyler McCandless returns to defend his title on Sept. 1.

For elites like Tyler McCandless, competing in the Kauai Marathon is about more than just prestige: there’s money involved.

According to an article posted by The Garden Island, the annual Hawaiian race offers competitors a “Speed Challenge.”

At $15,000, it’s no small purse and is bringing in some big names to the small island.

“The 2013 Kauai Marathon features the most fiercely-contested elite fields in the history of the event,” says Robin Jumper, a publicist for the race. “A strong contingent of United States athletes, both male and female, have committed to race to compete for the Grand Hyatt Kauai $15,000 Speed Challenge.”

The 27-year-old McCandless won both the 2011 and 2012 editions of the race. He’s returning on Sept. 1 to defend his title as well as his course record of 2:23:19.

According to the rules of the Speed Challenge, anyone who can finish faster than McCandless’ mark is entitled to the money (or split it if there is more than one runner).

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