This is the second Maui Marathon newsletter of 2005. We have a final closeout on all 2003 and 2004 merchandise. See below for details!

Maui Marathon History Part 2

Bob Craver has been Race Director for the Maui Marathon since 1995. At a recent Valley Isle Road Runners (VIRR) meeting, Bob was asked to reflect back on his last 10 years with the Maui Marathon. Following is part two of the article that appeared in the VIRR newsletter. Part one can still be read in February Newsletter

Since about 1998 or 1999, MVB, the County, Kaanapali Resort and others had been pushing us to move the marathon from the spring time to the fall in the interest of putting more "heads in beds" in the off season versus peak season. Initially, I fought this request, yet knowing it was inevitable if we were to continue with the necessary cash and in-kind sponsorship they provided.

Since I first became involved in late 1994, my vision paralleled the then VIRR board , for controlled growth that would come primarily from Japan and the mainland. Finally, after over 18 months of back and forth, pros and cons, the "Run with the Whales" was moved to September beginning with the 2002 event. Though we expected some backlash from participants, it was far less than what we anticipated. We did however experience a serious decline in participation, over 15% from 2001 to 2002 and another 21% from 2002 to 2003. With the addition of the inaugural Maui Half Marathon, we re-bounded in 2004 to a record overall participant total of 2,863.

Though this growth from 330 participants in 1994 to nearly 3,000 ten years later has not been embraced by all, it has had significant economic impact on the island and the community. Annually, we submit an economic impact report to our sponsors and it is conservatively estimated, utilizing the required formula, that the Maui Marathon and related events have contributed over $25 million to the island economy. Additionally, we have directly donated over $225,000 to local non-profits for their annual volunteer efforts in producing the event.

With the direction of VIRR and a very committed strong race committee, we have taken this little "local" running event to the next level and are now internationally recognized as a very high quality running event well known for its outstanding volunteers and aid stations, something we are extremely proud of. Regardless of our past achievements, we are always looking to improve and welcome constructive feedback from the community and VIRR members. Please contact me directly at bark@maui.net and while you are online, spend some time checking out our extensive site at www.mauimarathon.com.

I appreciate all of the support both the event and I personally have received from both VIRR and the community …………….and yes, I recently made some insane statement that I would be around for another 10 years !!

Final 2003 and 2004 Merchandise Closeout - up to 80% discount!

Final Close Out on remaining 2004 and 2003 items. Quantities and sizes limited to what is on hand. $20 minimum order with an additional $5.00 shipping and handling. Combine your order with a friend to take advantage of this great deal. We recommend ordering on line as remaining inventory will not last long. All orders shipped via USPS. Foreign orders to incur a s&h charge of $10.

We have just released the 2005 "In Training" Tee. Last year these sold out quickly so if you want the newly designed 2005 Tee, we suggest you order soon.

Jamba Juice and Starbucks Coffee

Jamba Juice and Starbucks Coffee will both be honored once again to be onsite at the 2005 Maui Marathon to provide healthy and refreshing fruit smoothie samples and icy cold Starbucks Frappuccino samples to runners, families and friends at the Finish Line. We even welcome runners at the Finish Line with the Jamba Bananaman giving high-fives and refreshing cool water mists!

Remembering Randy "The Animal" Caddell

Randy Caddell, multiple winner of the wheelchair division of the Maui Marathon, was sadly struck by a car and killed on February 25, 2005, while training on his beloved Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Caddell, 37, won four of the last six Maui Marathon wheelchair divisions and placed in the top three in the other two races. "Randy was the inspirational star of the Maui Marathon for many years," said Bob Craver, race director. "He will be greatly missed by everybody involved with the marathon."

Caddell, who lost the use of his legs in a 1987 motorcycle accident, was a seven-time finisher of the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kailua-Kona. He won the handcycle division in 2001 and 2002. Nicknamed "The Animal," he competed in triathlons and marathons around the world, and also spoke to youth groups about overcoming challenges and making good decisions regarding alcohol. To send a message of condolence, log on to http://www.randycaddell.com/

Confirmation Lists

The Maui Marathon publishes lists of all runners who have entered the Maui Marathon, Maui Half Marathon and Maui Tacos 5K as well as signed up for the famous Carbo Load dinner. These lists are updated every 4-6 weeks. See the: Maui Marathon list and also links to the other lists.

Runners Paradise - A New Running Store in Maui

A&B Properties, Inc is proud to announce the grand opening of Runners Paradise in the Maui Mall. The new store features top of the line running shoes and related apparel.

Unlike other stores that carry running shoes, Runners Paradise caters to those passionate about the sport and has a knowledgeable staff with vast experience. Special brands such as Pearl Izumi, Brooks, Saucony and Mizuno can be found as well as Nike and Adidas. “It really is an experience for our customers. Our staff is extremely familiar with our footwear and the differences that makes each person unique,” said owner Rudy Huber. “You can even get on our treadmill and test them out,” he added. A former All American track and field winner, owner Rudy Huber has coached numerous teams on Oahu and here on Maui, such as Baldwin High, Seabury Hall and St. Anthonys.

Runners Paradise will offer discounts for running events such as The Run to the Sun (March 27), and the Na Holo Wahine 5K (May 7). During these times, participants that are registered will have the opportunity to purchase footwear at discounted prices the day before, the day of and the day after the event.

“We really are all about giving back to the community,” said Rudy. “ Eventually we¹d like to make it possible for Maui’s talented athletes to have the ability to travel and compete on the mainland,” he added.

Runners Paradise will hold it¹s grand opening on Easter weekend and will offer 10% off footwear and apparel from March 24 through March 31st. For more information regarding Runners Paradise, please contact Rudy Huber at 808-877-5300 or email runnersparadise@verizon.net.

Book Your Travel Now!

Maui - A Fun Family Destination

Bring the little ones for big-time fun in Maui. Marathon Tours and Travel, the Maui Marathon's official travel agency, has a variety of family-friendly accommodations available at competitive rates. Choose from roomy condos with kitchens to beach-front resorts or nearby economy hotels. Maui is overflowing with fun activities for the whole family. Take a scenic tour on the Sugar Cane Train, go on a visit to the Maui Ocean Center, enter your child in the Front Street Mile,, or just frolic in the beach surf and the sand. Maui's magic isles will bring about magical smiles and memories for everybody. Marathon Tours is also offering an exclusive 5th night free at The Westin Maui, race headquarters. Stay five nights in paradise and just pay for four. Stay for ten nights and pay for eight (that's TWO nights free.) This is an exceptional deal which is expected to sell out quickly. In addition, children eat free at the Westin's OnO Bar and Grill. For more information, call Scott at Marathon Tours at (800) 444-4097 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST. Or visit www.marathontours.com/maui.

“The family friendly Front Street Mile”

Marathon Tours The Westin Maui Exclusive - 5th night is free!!

Thinking about training for the 2005 Maui Marathon or the Maui Half Marathon?

It is never to early to plan for a marathon or a half marathon which is only SIX months. This is especially true if the event is your first marathon or half marathon.

We encourage you to visit the Cool Running training pages, have a look at the training schedules for both the marathon and half marathon and determine which of the four levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced and competitive) in each event best suits you.

Cool Running also offers you the an interactive running log so that you can track your mileage on a daily basis, setup multiple running routes and monitor your performance against each route. You can keep track of your distance, time, pace, weight and heart rate as well as the mileage you put on your shoes, and a lot more.... Check it out today - it's free.

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