This is the first Maui Marathon newsletter of 2005. We are once again offering you a Valentine's day special. See below for full details.

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 one of the article that appeared in the VIRR newsletter.

In 1994 the Maui Visitors Bureau, (MVB) was approached by Runners Inc., the Runners World of Japan, who were interested in becoming sponsors of the Maui Marathon. At that time, the late Del King was race director. Del and VIRR board members were more interested in "doing the marathon" than promoting it. With that in mind, they asked MVB to recommend someone to take over the promotion aspect and race director duties who could work directly with the Japanese sponsors. There were only two of us that were considered for this task and the other person declined.

Having a background in the travel industry and hotel management, (something I was growing very tired of), I discussed the possibility with my supportive wife and in November 1994, I was selected by VIRR to become the next race director. I will say my race director experience was very limited, (almost non-existent), but my background was in "organization" and I figured what the heck, here's an out from the hotel business!

After meeting with the Japanese sponsors, VIRR, MVB and Kaanapali Resort, it was apparent that the common goal was for increased yet controlled growth for the Maui Marathon moving into the future. We knew then we would never have anything the size of the Honolulu Marathon but recognized at the same time that the Japanese market had huge growth potential on Maui.

In 1994 there were approximately 330 participants. The start line was at Maui Mall and the course veered off the Honoapiilani Hwy. at mile 16, and onto the cane roads for the last 10 miles, sometimes through above ankle deep mud along the lonely stretch into Kaanapali. Many "old timers" still prefer the old course but in '95 we changed the course near to it's exiting route running the length of Front Street as it continues to this day.

We expanded in 1995 to 574 participants, nearly 50% from Japan, and began a long relationship with Mr. Ryutaro Kamioka, the "Johnny Carson" of Japan who was recruited by Runners Inc., as their primary marketing tool. This relationship continued until 2000 when Mr. Kamioka, having just crossed the finish line, announced at Whalers Village Center Court that he was retiring from show business. By then the number of Japanese had peaked at nearly 700 and the full marathon had reached a total of over 2,600 participants.

The rest of the Maui Marathon history can be read in the next edition of the newsletter.

Valentine's day special

This special offering is now over for 2005.

Book Your Travel Now!

Kid's Eat Free at The Westin Maui

An extra special value that allows the whole family to enjoy The Westin Maui's "Flavors of Hawaii". At OnO Bar & Grill or Tropica, for each paying adult entree, a child between the ages of 5-12 years may eat free from the regular children's menu. Make it a family race vacation!

Marathon Tours and Travel, the Maui Marathon and Half Marathon's official travel agency is constantly monitoring the best travel rates. Call about special rates for airfare and a rental car in conjunction with the hotel rates: (800) 444-4097 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST), visit www.marathontours.com/maui/index.shtml) or e-mail marathon@shore.net. A variety of accommodation is available.

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

"In training" tees will be available after the first of March and there are still limited amounts of 2004 merchandise available as well as undated embroidered merchandise at great prices.. See www.mauimarathon.com/merchandise.html for details and ordering procedures.

It is never to early to plan for a marathon or a half marathon, even if the event is nine months away. 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.

Reminder to have your friends sign up for the Maui Marathon newsletter.

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