Industry Spotlight: Kapu Gaison
Race Director and Event & Operations Manager
Published March 18, 2025
Written by: Carolina Nascimento
Portland’s race and event scene is thriving, thanks partly to passionate leaders like Kapu Gaison. A race director, event coordinator & manager, and operations expert, Gaison has built a career around bringing people together through endurance events. He is the force behind some of the city’s most iconic races, including Portland’s Shamrock Run, Bridge to Brews, Portland Marathon, Starlight Run, and numerous races across the country.
A lifetime athlete and former American Ninja Warrior, Gaison has always embraced physical challenges. His passion for racing and event production stems from his deep love of sports, competition, and creativity. “I really enjoyed that I could work in the space that I used to enjoy outside of work,” he says.
Originally from Hawaii, Gaison’s path to Portland began with visiting a college friend and attending a race conference. He loved the city’s small-town feel, outdoor access, and tight-knit community. “I had a blast and enjoyed the uniqueness of the city. That was enough to move here!” he recalls.
One of the things that makes Portland special, according to Gaison, is that the city doesn’t have an overwhelming number of major races. “Each event is a big deal. Portland has that hometown feel, and it comes through with events,” he explains. Unlike larger cities where races compete for attention, Portland’s events foster a sense of connection and community that makes them stand out.
Beyond the excitement of race day, Gaison sees these large-scale events as an essential part of the city’s social and economic fabric. “It’s the single best event that promotes a healthy lifestyle,” he says. Whether encouraging fitness, fostering community engagement, or boosting the local economy, races play a vital role in Portland’s culture.
For those looking to break into event production, Gaison offers one key piece of advice: be creative. “Do something different and don’t copy others. The little intricacies that make events unique are what reflect the producer’s creative side,” he shares. “These small but intentional details can transform an event into an unforgettable experience.”
Through his work, Kapu Gaison continues to elevate Portland’s racing community with innovation, passion, and dedication to crafting memorable events. Every race he produces goes beyond the finish line—it’s a celebration of movement, connection, and the city itself.
The next race, Bridge to Brews, is happening on Sunday, April 13—there’s still time to sign up and be part of the fun!