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Tantalizing Tantalus Trail Half Marathon (TTH) Recap

ByHURT Hawaii

Aloha TTH Runners,

The Tantalizing Tantalus Trail Half Marathon marked the kickoff of our trail series for half marathon distances and beyond. From here, the mileage climbs steadily as we move towards Maunawili Out and Back, Tantalus Triple Trek and the Peacock Challenge. For a fortunate few, this journey could even lead to a starting position at the 2027 HURT 100.

Whether you participated in the TTH to improve your Trailblazer point standings or to challenge yourself on one of Oahu’s toughest trail half marathon courses, you showed up and showed out.

The TTH Story

Every trail tells a story. Every climb demands determination. Every finish line represents a promise kept. 

As race directors, we couldn’t be prouder of the 93 runners who toed the line and the 92 finishers who persevered through to the end. From morning check-in through the finish line, we saw nonstop grit, smiles, high fives, mud caked bodies, a couple bumps, a few scratches, and even a pair of shredded full-length blues jeans worn by one tough trail runner. 

This course is no joke—running on sections of the HURT 100 trail, with 3,300 feet of elevation gain (1900 feet to Nuʻuanu and 1400 feet on the return to Hālau Kū Māna Charter School).  Add in a bit of mud, a few misplaced trees, some rocks, and a bit of rain made it into a fun filled event for all.

Mahalo to all the participants who challenged themselves, all the while laying down their own HURT on the course. 

Fun Fast Facts & Results

  • 25 runners from out of state
  • 15 states represented (including Hawaiʻi)
  • 4 international runners, all from France
  • 71 men & 21 women completed the course
  • 19 runners ran negative splits
  • Youngest finisher: Ethan Durand (15-17 category)
  • Oldest finishers: Linda Okita, Benito Quintana, Sean Fox, Valdemar Vasquez Jr., Dave Twelker and Domingo DeGuzman (all over 60!)

📊 Complete Results & Lap Times → TTH Result
(Click your split times to strategize for next year!)

Top Finishers

🏃‍♀️ Women’s Top 3:

  1. Hana Church (2:38:20)
  2. Samantha Lee (2:48:34)
  3. Chantal Durand (2:49:59)

(Pictured L / R: Sam (2nd), Hana (1st), Chantel (3rd))

🏃‍♂️ Men’s Top 3:

  1. Sunny Durand (1:58:06)
  2. Ethan Durand (1:59:46)
  3. Edward McDonald (2:11:17)

(Pictured L / R: Edward (3rd), Sunny (1st), Ethan (2nd))

🏆 Top 3 Awards, custom-engraved by Brent Wong—mahalo Brent for the craftsmanship!

Huge Mahalo’s to Our Volunteers

This event would not happen without the amazing volunteers. Their generosity, leadership, and countless hours of service are the foundation of everything we accomplish. Every course marked and cleared, every aid station staffed, every runner encouraged, and every finish line celebrated is possible because of them. The actions of the volunteers remind us that the true heart of HURT is not found in the miles run, but in the people who make those miles meaningful.

  • Course Marking / Trail Clearing: Alyssa M., Mike H., Satomi F., Kana Y.
  • Parking: Jason E., Kelley H., Mariko N., Mike H.
  • Check-In: Hiromi Y., Jacki D., Sara S., Satomi F.
  • Start/Finish Area: Hiromi Y., Jonah C., Mariko N., Myra P., Sandi K., Sara S., Satomi F., Vanessa H.
  • Aid Station: Marian Y., Neal Y., Derrik S., Jacki D., Jenny G., Kelley H., Les O., Matt G.
  • Course Marshals / Patrol / Sweepers: Alex L., Alyssa M., Jeff F., Melissa P., Mike H., Takeshi Y.,
  • Photographers: Kalani P., Myra P.
  • Social Media: Myra P., Sandi K.
  • Awards: Brent W.
  • Webmaster: Augusto D.
  • Permitting: Marian Y.

Course Marking / Trail Clearing volunteers

Start/Finish volunteers

Course Marshals/ Sweepers

Aid station volunteers

📸 Photos by Kalani & Myra

Trailblazer Series

🏅 The points from TTH are in—check your updated standings at Trailblazer. With only 3 events left, the competition is heating up.

📌 Next Events:

  • Maunawili Out & Back (Solo & Relay) – Registration Open (will sell out fast!)
  • Tantalus Triple Trek – Opening soon (will sell out fast!)

🔗 Register at HURTHAWAII 

Give Back to the Trails

The trails give us so much—let’s give back. Sign up for a DLNR / HURT Trail Workday and help preserve the paths we love to run. It all begins with a trail.

In Closing…
You made this year’s TTH unforgettable. We’re honored by your effort, energy, and enthusiasm. Thank you for being part of the HURT Ohana.

Much Aloha,
Kana & Jeff