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WAILUKU--The 54th annual Hana Relay, in which teams of six take turns running from Kahului to Hana, will be held this Saturday, Sept. 14.
Of the 75 teams registered, 72 of them--or 432 runners--are from Maui. Two teams are based on O'ahu, while one is from Texas.
"We've elevated the number of runners this year," said Jon Emerson, one of the race directors. "There are 25 teams starting in three different heats. That's a lot of excitement and energy."
The event kicks off at 5 a.m. near Kahului Airport and ends at Hana Ballpark. The 52-mile route is divided into 18 sections, meaning each participant should run three sections of the course.
On average, each section is roughly three miles long, although some are hillier and more challenging than others. Each team is allowed one vehicle on the course, which follows the famed Hana Highway.
According to the finish line banner, runners traverse 617 twists and turns--and run over 59 bridges--as they make their way across the island to Hana.
The relay is presented by the Valley Isle Road Runners (VIRR). The running club hosts regular races, including the annual Maui Marathon, along with weekly group runs in Kihei and monthly pub runs in Wailea.
VIRR held the first Hana Relay in the early 1970s with seven teams. The event quickly became one of Hawaii's top competitive relay races, attracting teams from across the state, mainland and even internationally. In its heyday, the relay was known for its party atmosphere as hundreds of teams would participate.
The race took a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, although virtual relays were offered. The event had a low-key return last year by inviting 25 local teams to participate.
Last year's relay was held about a month after the island's devastating wildfires, so participants were encouraged to support the community of Hana by purchasing food and drinks at local stores, restaurants and food trucks.
Registration for this year's event was handled in three rounds: First, it was opened to the 25 teams who participated last year, then 25 teams of VIRR members and the remaining 25 teams were opened to the public.
Registration is currently closed for Saturday's relay.
Start times will be staggered at 5 a.m., 5:15 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. to help avoid congestion. Organizers said Maui Police Department officers will patrol the event and be present at each of the relay's hand-off locations.
Runners must complete the course by 2:30 p.m. Finisher medals and division awards will be given out as each team crosses the finish line.
The record for completing the current course is about four hours and 30 minutes.
Malia Crouse, who is overseeing the race with Emerson, said while there are teams who approach the relay competitively, there are also those who just want to wear costumes and run with their friends.
"That's why this is such a special and unique event--you can make it what you want it to be," she said.