Rant & Rave
Rant & Rave
I was one of many runners who wanted to run last year's Maui Marathon, but was told I couldn't because organizers set a limit on entries. Maui run well
worth restrictionsI called the marathon director to find out why.
"We are well past our limit of 1,800 and are concerned about the safety more than anything," said race director Bob Craver. "Many local people are upset because we are refusing entries and they do not understand. We have a limit and must abide by what we feel is safe and necessary."
Well, I wanted to see the safety issues for myself as well as experience what Runners' World said is, "One of the 10 most scenic marathons in America."
Thanks to a grant from the Reader's Digest Foundation, which is administered by the University of Hawaii Journalism Department, I got my wish.
It was 5:15 a.m. and my heart pounded as I stood at the starting line with the other 2,049 runners. I felt my eyes get a little teary as I watched the runners start their race at Kaahumanu Center in Kahului.
The first two miles were through residential areas in the dark. The course then went onto the highway along sugarcane fields. Lanes could not be closed, leaving only the left shoulder of the road for runners. The path was about 8 feet wide and I could see why it was necessary to limit the number of runners.
There was a nice tail wind that helped push me all the way to mile 10. The sun was up by now and I looked to the ocean to see if I could see any whales frolicking in the blue waters. I didn't and continued to run.
The course was now on winding roads as we headed toward Lahaina. I felt as if I were running the same winding path that leads from Sandy Beach to Hanauma Bay. Between miles 12 and 16, there was a rainbow stretching from the ocean to the mountains. To the left of me, I could see the island of Lanai very clearly.
The most beautiful aspect of the race was the people inconvenienced by the event. The race caused some traffic, but instead of being angry, those in their cars were constantly cheering the runners.
There were 18 aid stations and volunteers did an incredible job supplying water, PowerAde, diluted Coke, iced sponges, PowerBites and PowerGels. Some stations even offered brownies, Popsicles, musubi, sushi, oranges and bananas, which I really enjoyed.
At about mile 22, the course turned down Front Street into Lahaina. Again, there were so many supporters. I couldn't help but smile as people I had never met before said to me, "You're looking good, almost there."
As I ran toward the finish line, my number, name and time were announced.
After the race there were refreshments and a free massage. There was also a finishers party and award ceremony.
After experiencing the Maui Marathon, I understand why it is necessary to limit entries. Some paths along the course are very narrow and participants are constantly running against oncoming vehicles.
The number of runners grew from 574 in 1995, to 1,289 in 1997 and to 2,049 this year. The best tip for getting into next year's race, which will be March 19, 2000, is to enter early.
"It is guaranteed that the race for 2000 will fill up early," Craver said.
Anyone interested in entering can call 1 (808) 871-6441 and request an early-bird entry form. Early-bird entries cost $45 and are due June 1.
YuShing Ting is a University of Hawaii journalism student. Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
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