MAALAEA, HI  -- Pacific Whale Foundation, Valley Isle Road Runners and Runner’s Paradise invite runners and walkers to participate in the upcoming Run for the Whales, on Saturday, February 10, 2007. This annual event draws runners from across the country, with about 230 runners participating each year.

Participants can choose from a Half Marathon or 5K Run. New this year (so that everyone can participate) is a 2K course for walkers and a 2K Fun Run for Kids ages 4 -12.

All of the races start at the Polo Beach Parking Lot next door to the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea. Check-in begins at 6:00 a.m. for the Half Marathon and 7:00 a.m. for the other race events. Starting time for the Half Marathon is at 7:00 a.m. sharp The 5K begins at 8:05 a.m. and the 2K walk and keiki run begin at 8:15 a.m. All of the courses travel south from the Polo Beach Parking Lot, toward Makena.

The course will include aid stations and professional timing by Runner’s Paradise. Each runner will receive a Run for the Whales T-shirt, and a free post-race, continental style breakfast of pastries, coffee, juice and fruit.

The first place male and female in the Half Marathon and 5K will each receive a pass for a whalewatch cruise for four people. Age group medals and lei will be awarded for the first, second and third place winners in all races. There will also be a prize drawing for all runners at the finish.

The age groups for the Half Marathon and 5K Run, and the 2K Walk are: 19 & under, 20 – 29, 30 – 39, 40 – 49, 50- 59, 60 and over. The age groups for the Keiki 2K Run are ages: 4 – 6, 7 - 9 and 10 – 12.


To park for this event, please travel south on Wailea Alanui Road, past the Grand Wailea and Four Season’s Resort. Take the first right turn just past the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel,  and look for the Polo Beach Parking Lot on your right.

The entry fees are: $35 for the Half Marathon, $25 for the 5K Run, $20 for the 2K Walk or Fun Run for Kids. All runners and walkers can deduct $5 off this entry fee by registering in advance by February 7.

Registration can be done online at www.active.com. You can also find a downloadable entry form by clicking here, to print out to mail or fax to Pacific Whale Foundation. Forms can also be picked up at Jamba Juice, Runner’s Paradise (in the Maui Mall) or at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Stores at The Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea or at 612 Front St., Lahaina. You can also register by phone by calling 249-8811.

The Run for the Whales is a fundraiser for the marine science education programs offered by Pacific Whale Foundation for Maui schoolchildren. These programs take place in the classroom/science labs at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Discovery Center and in the field; they include water testing programs, eco-friendly tidepool explorations, whalewatches and career mentoring programs.

Sponsors of the run includes Jamba Juice, Jamba Juice, Valley Isle Road Runner, Runner's Paradise, Hammer Gel, Menehune Water, Fairmont Kea Lani, Coconuts Catering, Ali’i Leis, Ultra Hawaii, Maui Trophies & Awards, USA Track & Field, Blue Hawaiian Helicopter, U’lalena, Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Nightclub
and Old Lahaina Luau

Volunteers are being sought to help with the run. All volunteers will be invited to enjoy the post-race free breakfast. To volunteer, call Pacific Whale Foundation’s Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Calef at 244-8392 or email Danielle@pacificwhale.org.

The Run for the Whales is one of the events of The Great Maui Whale Festival, a month-long celebration of humpback whales that takes place from February 10 through February 26. Other events in The Great Maui Whale Festival include Maui's Parade of Whales (Saturday, February 17), Whale Day (Saturday, February 17) and The Great Whale Count (Saturday, February 24). For more information about The Great Maui Whale Festival, please call (808) 249-8811 or visit www.pacificwhale.org.

Media Contact:
Anne Rillero
Communications Director
Pacific Whale Foundation
The Harbor Shops at Ma'alaea
300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-8390