The original HURT runners loved the Hawai’i trails and promoted Hawai’i trail running to whoever they could. They welcomed anyone who wanted to run trails. And if you became a regular, a friend of the group, or even a visitor to the Islands that made an impression, you might mysteriously find yourself in possession of a HURT shirt. This was your badge of membership, as there was no application form, no dues, and no official roster of members. If you loved Hawai’i trails, you were included.
Since HURT was always about sharing the love of ultra running, these folks began to think about putting on races of their own. This led to the creation of the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team as a formal entity in the State of Hawai’i. The first trail race to be held was the Tantalus Triple Trek, a 50K trail race on our beloved trails. Originally championed by Race Directors Randy and Cilla Havre, this race still exists today. Another of the early races was Honolulu City Lights, an eight-tenths of a mile road loop in downtown Honolulu, run at night. Runners had a choice of distances: 50K, 50M, or 100K. And for an extra $5, could run for a full 12 hours.
As 100-mile trail races began to grow in popularity, there was a desire to hold one in Hawai’i that would both give local runners an opportunity to run a 100-mile trail run, and give visitors a chance to enjoy our home trails. Four local runners, Jeff Huff, Greg Cuadra, akabill Molmen, and Greg Pirkl went to John Salmonson with the idea, and in 2001 the HURT 100 Mile Endurance Run was born. The first HURT 100 had eight finishers. Since that meager start, the HURT 100 has become known worldwide as one of the hardest 100-mile races. Though limited to 135 runners, many hundreds apply each year.
The HURT Ohana continued to grow, and with it, the idea of introducing our trails to more people. Another generation of HURT members stepped up to direct races in the HURT Trail Series. These were runs of both ultra and shorter distances, and quickly became extremely popular with local runners. The hard work, dedication, and generosity of many HURT Ohana RD volunteers has made each of the unique events successful. The current Trail Series races include:
In 2020, to better position itself to continue in perpituity, HURT, Inc. was formed. The new organizational structure allowed HURT to secure status as a charitable 501(c)3 organization under the auspices of the Road Runners Clubs of America. The new organizational composition will allow HURT, Inc. to continue well into the future, as younger Ohana step up to carry on the legacy and vision of the of those original runners that loved the Hawai’i trails. This benefits not only HURT, but also the many local companies and individuals that donate goods and services to our races. Current officers include:
There may be a new legal name, but nothing else has changed. The Ohana continues, and the Hawaiian Ultra Running Team continues to grow the love of trail running. There is still no application and no membership fee, but the HURT Ohana includes hundreds of runners, volunteers, race directors, and those who just love and support the trails of Hawai’i.