Front Street Mile returns, set for Sept. 18

The Front Street Mile is slated for Sept. 18, the iconic Lahaina race returning after it was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online registration for the 20th annual event, which also includes a 5- and 10-kilometer run or walk, opens on Wednesday.

Tommy Bahama is this year's title sponsor after longtime sponsor Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. closed its Lahaina location during the pandemic.

"When we got the go-ahead to put on this race, I literally got chicken skin," race director Rudy Huber said via phone on Monday. "It's a great thing for the running community, a great thing for the kids-- it's exciting because they finally get to compete in something that they've been waiting for a long time."

Events include the girls and boys mile for runners in grades 4-12, the open men's and women's mile, men's and women's masters mile, and the 5K and 10K race/walk. There will be no kindergarten through third grade divisions this year.

Due to health and safety protocols, space will be limited for all events-- there will only be 50 entries allowed per gender per grade/age group.

If COVID-19 regulations lighten over the next few months, Huber said that he will adjust the capacity limits.

Because of the sponsor change, the flat out-and-back course will start and finish at Tommy Bahama, located at 900 Front Street. The route will still include a run down the historic Front Street toward the banyan tree.

"It's so exciting to be able to bring this race back," Huber said.

Registration can be completed at https://bit.ly/3xCPMK8. For additional questions, call Huber at (808) 280-5801.

* Dakota Grossman is at dgrossman@mauinews.com.