Maui No Ka Oi, meaning: Maui is the best. There’s no doubt about that, especial when the top-tauted travel magazine ‘Conde Nast’ named Maui the Best Island in the World. So, there’s no excuse for not coming here for your vacation, but if you need one it’s not too late to sign-up for the 40th Anniversary Maui Marathon , Maui Half Marathon, Maui Tacos 5K Run/Walk and Run Forrest Run Front Street Mile Race Weekend! Whew! That’s a lot of running and walking happening September 17 -19, 2010.

Join in on the celebration of the best run in paradise, recognized as one of the most scenic courses in the world, with Maui Marathon’s point-to-point route beginning in Kahului. You’ll pass moonlit sugarcane fields and run along the spectacular Pacific coastline for a breathtaking 17 miles, with views of the cobalt blue, rolling surf and Maui’s closest, neighboring islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe. The final miles of your journey will take you through the traditional fishing villages of Lahaina and onto finishing, which is near the Westin Maui Resort & Spa; the race headquarters at the renowned Ka’anapali Beach Resort; the home of Whalers Village. To book a room at the beach hotel, Hawaii is more than eager to help you find a great rate. Especially if you mention you’ll be participating in the marathon.

Don’t worry if you’re not ready for a Maui’s full Marathon, because the Maui Half Marathon, is not only popular, but is features a flat, straight out and back course that is the final 6.55 miles of the Marathon course. You’ll start your 13.1 mile run at Whalers Village and pass through Lahaina, then turn around at Launiupoko Park, which returns you to Ka’anapali.

If you’re not an avid marathon runner, then just enjoy the island’s 727 square miles of outdoors; combining luxury with adventure and simplicity. Maui is a destination not only for the marathon, but a destination for pleasure, for exploring its beauty, its scenery, the sleepy island towns and host to some world-class resorts, which coexist with Maui’s culture and rich history. If you’re staying at the Westin, then sit back and relax on your beautiful balcony and let the running begin !

Running in Maui is a post from: Cup of Snarky