Lace up, Maui. The 15th annual Maui 5K is sprinting back to Māʻalaea next Sunday, March 1, with Maui Ocean Center once again stepping in as presenting sponsor. The family-friendly race runs from 7 to 9 a.m., sends its proceeds straight to Maui County schools for youth sports and recreation programs, and offers something for just about every pace: a timed 5K, an untimed 5K, a one‑mile loop, or a virtual entry.
Registration, pricing and options
The race is slated for 7 to 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, and online registration stays open through Feb. 26, according to Maui 5K. Posted fees are $45 for the timed 5K and $40 for untimed adult entries, with youth pricing at $30 and the one‑mile walk at $35. Untimed participants are not eligible for age‑group awards, and a virtual option is available for supporters who want to join from off island.
How the race helps Maui schools
Organizers report that 100 percent of proceeds head back to participating Maui Nui schools to purchase equipment and support fitness programs. Last year, roughly 1,200 runners and walkers combined to raise a record $72,000 for those efforts, according to Maui Ocean Center. “We hope to increase keiki participation with our new special youth pricing,” Maui 5K co‑founder Arlene Emerson said in the sponsor's announcement. The aquarium's role as presenting sponsor has helped turn the run into a true mid‑island community staple.
Who's leading the pack
On the school leaderboard, early signups are giving upcountry a strong head start. Kula Elementary has 59 participants registered, while Makawao Elementary and Carden Academy are each listed with 51, Maui News reports. “The competition is heating up and upcountry schools are leading the pack,” Emerson told the paper. Maui News also notes that Maui Ocean Center will sweeten race day with a 30 percent discount on memberships purchased March 1 using the code MAUI5K.
Packet pickup and race‑day details
Packet pickup is set for Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aloha Rock Gym in Kahului, and late registrations are typically accepted during pickup, according to the event information page. Same day signups will be untimed and T‑shirt availability is limited, so organizers urge participants to register early if they want a guaranteed race packet. For full event details, to sign up, or to designate a school beneficiary, visit the Maui 5K registration page.
