Local News

Kids Running Series kicks off fall season on Sunday

Maui will host the annual kids running series, setting the pace for youth activity and healthy outdoor living

Last year, 227 children crossed the finish line at the Healthy Kids Running Series.

The series will host its first race of the fall on Sunday, encouraging children across Maui to join in the festivities.

No experience is necessary, and children of all skill levels are welcome to participate at their own pace in divisions divided by age. Participants can run, walk or jog the race and enjoy a variety of activities during the event.

After this weekend's kickoff event, the fall series will continue on Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8 and Nov. 15.

Organizers have planned a number of activities in addition to the races. Maui Laser Tag, Shaka Slides Maui and Craftable Club STEM activities will be featured at all five races.

Maui Tumblers, a hit from last year, will return Sunday, and Art with Anastasia will offer crafting activities on Nov. 8. Evolution Dance will be at the Healthy Kids Running Series on Nov. 1 and 8. Kihei Dance Connection will also lead parent-and-child Zumba on Nov. 1.

Each race will run from 4 to 5 p.m. at Pomaikai Elementary School's back field, where community members and Community Coordinator Kelsey Maldonado will work to create a space that emphasizes the importance of healthy living from a young age and encourages children to make physical activity a hobby and passion.

For some children, the Healthy Kids Running Series is their first introduction to sports, competition or running.

To make the races inclusive for all ages and skill levels while building confidence, games and music help create a welcoming atmosphere before each race. The goal is to encourage a healthy lifestyle from a young age, making children who want to win just as welcome as those who choose to walk or are participating for the first time. Each race is a celebration that gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride in participating.

Eight-year-old Cayde Kusumoto won the 2025 Healthy Kid Award after demonstrating consistent participation at each race, a positive and upbeat attitude and dedication to the series.

Going above and beyond, Kusumoto began running on Tuesdays with members of Empower Fitness Maui as "practice," which later became known as "Cayde's Run Club."

After the series ended, he continued running weekly, covering anywhere from 800 meters to a mile and sometimes adding exercises such as push-ups and squats.

"Through our own children's experience in cross country, we've seen how doing something hard and sticking with it builds confidence, perseverance, and the ability to work through challenges," said Maldonado. "That's what I hope kids take from this program -- lessons they can carry into school, relationships and everyday life. Seeing them encourage others and continue being active beyond race day is what makes this work so meaningful to me."

The goal is to give Maui's youth an introduction to running while also creating opportunities to explore arts and crafts, STEM activities and other sports, such as gymnastics. Maldonado said having 808 Gymnastics at last year's event was a hit.

"We want to build confidence. For some kids, success is winning and for others it’s having the courage to start and determination to finish," said Maldonado.

The series aims to connect children with activities that inspire them to stay active and explore new interests. Growing up on Maui, children have many opportunities to get outside and be active.

Opening day will feature young runners lining up at the start, families cheering from the sidelines and celebrations following each race. The final race will include a medal celebration, giving participants another opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments during the series.

Those interested in participating or volunteering can sign up online.

Registration remains open throughout the series. For more information, visit healthykidsrunningseries.org/find-a-race/.