Maui Tacos 5K - New course a real treat
After being a spectator at the Maui Tacos 5k many times, there was no better time to run it than on a brand new course.
By Lin Molloy
Posted Saturday, 15 September, 2007
The ‘up and back’ down the Kaanapali Drive gave us “not-so-elites” a front row ‘seat’ of the lead runners and a chance to appreciate their speed and grace against a backdrop of the magnificent hills. This is something you don’t often get to do in a race, usually its all over by the time us ‘mere mortals’ get there.
The introduction of a hill or two made the run all the more interesting, with the reward of scenic ocean views from the top and during the climb up. Somehow though, the view looked a whole lot better on the way back down! Once again, from the top we had a first hand update of the front-runners dueling it out on the way down.
Running back down Kaanapali Drive toward the finish line was a whole ‘Maui Tacos 5k experience’. You could see runners of all ages, shapes and sizes from many countries all obviously tired but still having a great time. They were chatting, waving and yelling encouragement to friends and relatives still heading the other direction towards the final turnaround.
The Maui Tacos 5k is definitely a great running experience. The last 100 meters welcomes you back with the street lined with cheering spectators. Then there is Whit Raymond, calling the race as only he can do it. His ‘up close and personal’ approach to everyone as they cross the finish line makes the last runner home feel as important just as the first.
Personally, I think the Maui Tacos 5k with its new course was a great success, even with a small ‘timing hiccup’. As Whit so beautifully put it, “It’s a beautiful morning, we all had a great time and we are here in magical Maui’. It doesn’t get much better!! Thank you Maui Tacos!
