This is the fourth Maui Marathon newsletter of 2005. We have a new line of 2005 merchandise and also great discounts on this merchandise. See below for details!

Win a Free Trip to Maui!

How would you like to win the ultimate runner's vacation?

Here's your chance: Enter the Runner's World / Marathon Tours & Travel Sweepstakes to be eligible to win a trip to one of the world's most exotic race events - including the 2006 Maui Marathon and Half Marathon!

One lucky winner and their guest will get to choose from four amazing races in 2006:

• Maui Marathon
• Paris Marathon
• Easter Island Marathon
• Great Wall of China Marathon

Learn more about these fascinating destination races by visiting www.marathontours.com.

Just click here to enter for your chance to win!

No purchase is necessary to win. If you are already a Runner's World subscriber or do not wish to subscribe, go to the very bottom of the page and click on "enter without subscribing."

And rest assured, from travel to accommodations, the winner will be well taken care of. Whether you want to run in the event or simply enjoy it as a spectator, this is your chance to win the vacation of your dreams.

An interview with Maui Marathon legend - Billy Conner - by Bob Craver

Fifty-nine-year-old Maui resident, Billy Conner, will be competing in his 29th Maui Marathon this September. Race Director Bob Craver caught up with Billy to reflect on why he returns to run the race year after year and what his goals are for the future.

Bob Craver: The Maui Marathon is one of the country's oldest marathon and you've run it 28 out of the 35 years it has been in existence. Your answer may be obvious, but I'll ask anyway. Why do you keep coming back?

Billy Conner: It is really a fantastic feeling for me to have been a part this wonderful celebration of life that we call the Maui Marathon. Just being able to live on Maui for 29 years has been a pure joy in itself. Every year, I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of heartfelt "aloha" at the aid stations along the incredibly beautiful course and the cheering spectators.

Bob: Tell us a bit about your marathon background.

Billy: My first marathon was the Honolulu Marathon in 1975, which I finished in 3:39. The Kona Marathon last June 19th was my 92nd career marathon. In addition to the Maui Marathon, I have finished the Honolulu Marathon 24 times, the Volcano Marathon nine times , the Hilo Marathon three times, the Kona Marathon six times, the Haleakala Run to the Sun 13 consecutive times, the 50 mile Hana Relay solo eight times , and the Seoul National Marathon once. My fastest marathon ever was my very first Maui Marathon (3:13) and my slowest marathon was the Honolulu Marathon in 1991 (4:29).

Bob: You've had some incredible long-running traditions. What are your future goals?

Billy: I would like to finish 100 marathons before I turn 60. If I maintain my current schedule of six marathons a year my 100th would be my 30th consecutive Maui Marathon next year. I also have a goal of completing 50 consecutive Maui Marathons which would be a challenge since I would be 76 years old by then. I would also like to be the oldest finisher in Honolulu Marathon -- I think that the current record is 94 years old.

Bob: Those are lofty goals. What is your goal this September 18th?

Billy: I don't want to put any pressure on myself to finish in under a certain time, I will be "content" just to compete and finish, I will be "happy" if I break 4:30, I will be "thrilled" if I can finish in under 4:15, and I will be "absolutely ecstatic" if I can manage somehow to break 4 hours.

Bob: What advice would you give the first-time Maui Marathon entrants?

Billy: To the first time Maui Marathon entrants I would say, The Maui Marathon is a beautiful monster. Don't try for a new p.r. (personal record time) here, the tropical sun, heat, and humidity can make this course a tough one. Enjoy the scenery, learn how to make the "shaka" hand signal and wave back to the local supporters with it. Don't start out too fast and drink plenty of liquids at every aid station.

Bob: Do you have any final words before we conclude?

Billy: Yes, I would just like to thank everybody who is involved with the marathon. Everybody from the aid station workers to the mayor to the VIRR members and the police have played an important role in this magic called the Maui Marathon There are just too many wonderful people to mention. I am grateful to all for enriching my life.

Aloha!

New 2005 Merchandise

2005 shirt designs, hats and duffel bags available - sale items, 25% to 33% discount. All bags, duffel and totes, are on sale for $15, a 25% discount and all new hats are on sale at $8, a 33% discount. This sale ends on 8/31. There is no minimum dollar amount, $5 will be automatically added for s&h on all orders.

Carbo load wait list

We are no longer accepting names for the wait list as the current list of names received exceeds the anticipated number of potential openings due to cancellations. Anyone that clears the wait list will be notified on or about August 31st via email. Remember the carbo load party is on Friday night (9/16/05) from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at The Westin Maui.

For those who have purchased carbo load tickets but will not be able to attend for any reason, please notify us by email at info@mauimarathon.com prior to 8/31 and we will refund the full amount. This will allow for us to accept people from our extensive waitlist. Refunds will not be extended past the 8/31 notification deadline.

Confirmation Lists

The Maui Marathon publishes lists of all runners who have entered the Maui Marathon, Maui Half Marathon and Maui Tacos 5K as well as signed up for the famous Carbo Load dinner. These lists are updated every 4-6 weeks. Applications received in the month of July will be posted on or about August 10 at which time the lists will be updated. See the: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Carbo Load lists.

Hina Mana Salon & Spa

Pamper yourself...Maui Style! Come visit one of our peaceful retreats, or let us create a spa experience in the privacy of your room!

Hina Mana Salon & Spa is an Aveda Concept Salon located on beautiful Ka'anapali Beach. Hina Mana offers a wide variety of services from pedicures, facials and hair services to couples massage.

Located on the picturesque Napili coast, Makai Massage & Bodywork offers a vast array of services including facials and massage therapy.

We are known for therapeutic massage and are the "official massage therapists for the Maui Marathon" For more information or to schedule an appointment please visit us at www.makaimassage.com.

Travel Update

Marathon Tours and Travel, the Maui Marathon and Half Marathon's official travel agency has reported that there are a limited number of hotel rooms still available. Currently, The Westin Maui, race headquarters, is sold out but rooms may be available at other properties.

Call Scott at Marathon Tours (800) 444-4097 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST) for up-to-date information, visit www.marathontours.com/maui or e-mail marathon@shore.net.

Tell Us Your Story!

Are you running in the 2005 Maui Marathon or Half Marathon and have a story to tell? Are you running in honor of someone or have you overcome personal or medical challenges to get to the starting line? The media is always looking for inspiring stories.

Please share your story by sending an e-mail message to info@mauimarathon.com. Please include your complete contact information including your contact information while on Maui. Mahalo!

Tour Maui From The Air!

It's the best way to tour the World's favorite island. Enjoy Maui's spectacular beauty while experiencing the rare thrill of a helicopter ride!

You are invited to join the fun on one of ALEXAIR's beautiful Jet Powered Birds of Paradise Helicopters as you lift off for an unforgettable adventure viewing Maui's most spectacular sights: Haleakala Crater, towering waterfalls, untouched coastlines and tropical rainforests.

The Maui Marathon & Half Marathon is proud to recommend Alexair. To book a tour or find out more information visit www.alexair.com or call 1-888-418-8455.

Training for the 2005 Maui Marathon or the Maui Half Marathon?

It is very timely that you should be in final stages of preparation for the Maui Marathon or Half Marathon which is now only one month way. We suggest no more long runs closer than three weeks before the Marathon and Half Marathon. Stay healthy, watch your diet and make sure you keep well hydrated, especially in the 2 weeks prior to your race. If you are going to experience a climate and time zone change start planning for that as well. Remember the race starts at 5:30 a.m. which is equivalent to 11:30 a.m. EST and 8:30 a.m. PST.

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.

Cool Running also offers you the an interactive running log so that you can track your mileage on a daily basis, setup multiple running routes and monitor your performance against each route. You can keep track of your distance, time, pace, weight and heart rate as well as the mileage you put on your shoes, and a lot more.... Check it out today - it's free, it's the best running log out there.

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