Mattina wins inaugural Neways Maui Paradise Marathon

KIHEI - In conditions that felt more like they belonged in the Pacific Northwest than Hawaii, it was fitting that the top two finishers at Sunday morning's Neways Maui Paradise Marathon were from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Steve Mattina, 38, took home the men's title, running through the soaked streets of South Maui to finish the 26.2-mile course in 3 hours, 4 minutes, 20 seconds, while his girlfriend, Karen Warrendorf, 35, won the women's title in 3:12:55 at the inaugural event, which began and ended at Kalama Beach Park.

The day started as a clear Maui morning before giving way - almost as soon as the race began - to heavy showers, with occasional thunder and lightning.

The rain seemed to suit Warrendorf, who finished nearly an hour ahead of the next woman, 22-year-old Karen Johnson (4:11:57), of Greeley, Colo.

''It was good - I was very happy for the rain,'' Warrendorf said. ''It was wonderful.

''Running a marathon in the heat and sun is not so fun so it (the rain) was welcome.''

While many of the approximately 200 runners who participated in the full and half marathons welcomed the weather, it played havoc on the organizers, who decided to cancel this year's 5-kilometer race as the rain left huge puddles around the start/finish line.

Race manager Jerry Levey said he wasn't offering refunds to the runners who paid $20-30, but those who paid this year can have their fee applied toward next year's race. The planned keiki races were also canceled because puddles covered the baseball diamond at Kalama.

The rain let up by the time Mattina completed the race, although he did have to run around a huge puddle just in front of the chute leading to the finish line.

Mattina, who works for shoe retailer Running Room and reviews races as part of his job, called the event a ''destination marathon'' and said he wouldn't hesitate recommending it to fellow runners.

''I think this race will take off, people need a break (during winter), people need to escape,'' said Mattina, who said he's completed 20-25 marathons, including the New York City Marathon last year.

Tony Phillippi (3:14:03), 47, of Tacoma, Wash., was third overall - second among the men.

Johnny Landeza, 45, of Aiea, Oahu, was fourth overall and the top Hawaii finisher.

''It was a really good course,''said Landeza, who came to Maui along with five other members of Runners HI on Oahu. ''We were excited when we heard about a new Maui marathon in January.''

Landeza said he enjoyed the run and planned to return.

''We'll be here next year,'' he said.

The second Maui Paradise Marathon is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2010.

Jerome Ross, of Anchorage, Alaska, won the half marathon in 1:15:35. Lindsey Wilbur of Kihei was the top women's finisher, in 1:35:13.

Hana's Billy Conner, 59, a veteran of 113 marathons, gave his approval to the course.

Conner ran the half marathon, in 2:34:39, because his girlfriend, Jill Davis of Wenatchee, Wash., was on Maui to celebrate her 50th birthday. She crossed the finish line 1 second before Conner, a personal best time.

''I loved the course today, conditions were ideal,'' said Conner, who has run the last 32 Maui Marathons. ''I'd rather be cold and wet than hot and dry.''