For those that enjoy a good run, I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to break a sweat than along some of the world’s most renowned beaches, especially at the peak of whale watching season. The island of Maui is maximizing opportunities for a cardiovascular workout in paradise by offering four different Maui marathon races in January and February 2009. My cousin from Boston has reserved a Wailea condo rental in South Maui where he’ll participate in the Maui Oceanfront Marathon on January 25. He’s done the Boston Marathon before and would like to run it again in 2009. The Maui Oceanfront course is certified to allow him to qualify to run this year’s marathon in Boston.
The Maui Oceanfront Marathon is just one of at least four run/walk events happening on Maui this winter. I had no idea how many opportunities there were to join fellow athletes and exercise for a good cause. Whether you come specifically to participate in one of these events or just happen to be on Maui during one of these marathons, tighten your shoelaces and get ready to move. Maui goes the distance this year offering a picturesque setting for a runner’s dream.
Neways Maui Paradise Marathon
January 11, 2009 at 6 am
Start: Kalama Beach Park, Kihei
End: Kalama Beach Park, Kihei
Distance options: marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ races
Details: Marathon wishes to raise awareness of Maui’s fragile eco-system and the Humpback whale. No plastic bags used in the eco-conscious event.
This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Registration:
Online deadline - January 8
Mail in deadline - must be received by January 7
Walk in deadline - January 10 at 6 pm
Maui 15K & 5 K
January 18, 2009 at 7:20 am
Start: Papalua Beach, Napili
End: Old Lahaina Town, Lahaina
Distance options: 15K or 5 K
Details: For serious runners, this event can be used as a warm up for the Maui Oceanfront Marathon happening on January 25 in Wailea. Shuttle buses will be available to assist with transportation at this one-way race.
Registration:
Last minute registration available with procrastination fee on January 18 by 6:15 am.
Maui Oceanfront Marathon
January 25, 2009 at 5:45 am
Start: Wailea Iki Rd, Wailea
End: Kamehameha Iki Park, Lahaina
Distance options: Marathon, Half Marathon, 20 mile walk-run or 5K
This race is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.
Details: Proceeds of the race benefit local non-profits that will be providing aid stations for participants along the route. There will be shuttles from Kaanapali, Lahaina to the starting line at Wailea.
Registration:
Discounted early bird registration ends January 1, 2009.
Run for the Whales (see my post on the entire Maui Whale Watching Festival)
February 7, 2009 at 7 am
Start: Polo Beach, Wailea
End: Polo Beach, Wailea
Distance options: Half Marathon, 5K or 2K and kid’s race
Details: This Pacific Whale Foundation event benefits marine education programs for Maui’s schoolchildren. There is no parking at Polo Beach so shuttles will be running to the start line from the Wailea events parking lot on Kalai Waia St.
Registration:
Register online, by mail or by phone.
Though my cousin is a serious, competitive runner, the races listed above are available for anyone that would like to get a little exercise in the gorgeous beauty of Maui. You can customize certain stretches of the races to meet your speed. Rent a Wailea condo and you’ll find yourself in a perfect place to enjoy some of these great community festivities, celebrating health, nature and the return of the Humpback whale. What better way to get a sense of the Maui community and take in the island’s natural beauty than taking a little jaunt down the coastline of one of the most stunning places on earth?