XTERRA atheletes are already overjoyed with the change of venue from hot, arid Makena to the cooler and greener Northwest Kapalua for their 16th annual off-road XTERRA World Championship triathlon on Oct. 23. Now XTERRA has four trail events through new sponsor TS Restaurants to be held on Oct. 22. The new events are the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K Trail Run, Duke’s Beach House XTERRA 10K Trail Run, Kimo’s XTERRA Keiki Run and the Leilani’s XTERRA Run course and Leilani’s Run Prime Awards.
The TS Restaurants sponsorship makes sense because it aligns its beachfront restaurants with surfing, ocean sports and healthy living. Their employee team just finished the 9.5 mile Maui Channel Swim earlier this month, headed by reknowned female surfer and Kimo’s manager Laura Blears. In addition to the Maui Channel Swim, T S employees also participate in various outdoor races and competitions throughout the year, including the 32-mile Molokai-to- Oahu Paddleboard Race, the XTERRA Kapalua Trail Run and Off-Road Triathlon, the Gerry Lopez Battle of the Paddle, the Napali Coast Challenge and the Duke’s Oceanfest surf competitions.
“The unique feeling and setting of West Maui is exhibited at each of these four restaurants, and it is in keeping with what the XTERRA athletes and their families have come to expect when they get to the island of Maui,” XTERRA President Clark said. “Dining at any, or all, of these restaurants can only enhance the experience for our athletes, whether it be eating a pre-race meal or celebrating with a post-race meal.”
This is the first year these trail runs will be staged in Kapalua, and the runners will be treated to picturesque and challenging courses that will take them from the beach, up to the mountains and then back to the beach. The 5K and 10K are open to all ages and skill levels. You can register online at http://www.xterraplanet.com/maui/mauiTrailRun.html.
The male and female winners of the Duke’s Beach House XTERRA 10K Trail Run will each receive a round-trip airfare to Hawaii from the West Coast, courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines. The male and female winners of the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K Trail Run will each receive a pair of XTERRA footwear. Medals and other prizes will also be awarded to the top age-group finishers in both races.
These two trail runs will also serve as a benefit for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui organization, so every entry makes a difference. In addition, a Paul Mitchell cut-a-thon will be held at the race. Runners and their families can get their hair cut by professional Paul Mitchell stylists, with donations benefiting the Challenged Athlete Foundation.
The Kimo’s XTERRA Keiki Run is for boys and girls ages 10 and younger. It is free, although parents must be present to sign a waiver form at the site of the race. Race distances will vary from 100 yards to one kilometer, depending on the age of the child. Parents are welcome to stay on the course as well.
The Leilani’s XTERRA Run Course will be part of the XTERRA World Championship triathlon. The Leilani’s Run Prime Awards will go to the competitors with the fastest times on the Leilani’s XTERRA Run Course during the triathlon. Gift certificates from Leilani’s restaurant will be awarded to the fastest male and female in three categories – professionals, age-group amateurs, and Maui residents – for a total of six certificates.
“We at TS Restaurants are pleased to support such a world class organization as XTERRA on our home turf in West Maui,” said Ross Anderson, Vice President of Hawaii Operations for TS Restaurants. “We feel like our beachfront restaurants are a natural fit for the XTERRA athletes and their families.”
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