Hearing the term triple crown invokes memories of Miguel Cabrera, who became the first player in 45 years to capture the MLB batting triple crown in 2012, or even the legendary horse Secretariat.
Hearing the term triple crown invokes memories of Miguel Cabrera, who became the first player in 45 years to capture the MLB batting triple crown in 2012, or even the legendary horse Secretariat.
But Monday, a partnership between marathon events brings a new, local triple crown to the Big Island.
UCC Coffee Kunitake Farms Kona Marathon announced a partnership with the Big Island International Marathon and Volcano Rain Forests Runs to form the Hawaii Triple Crown Half Marathon series.
Starting in 2014, participants who complete the Half Marathon at each event will have achieved “triple crown status”
“Our goal is to provide our runners with the opportunity for a new challenge and for them to have fun doing it at the same time,” said operations director David Ranck in a press release Monday. “It’s a great way to see the island as an athlete as well as to stay fit and healthy.”
The 2014 dates for each half marathon events are as follows: Big Island International Half Marathon March 16, Kona Half Marathon June 22 and Volcano Half Marathon Aug. 16.
“The award ceremony will take place after they complete the last event of 2014, the Volcano Rain Forest Run,” said Sharron Faff, director of both the Kona Marathon and Rain Forest Runs. “We will celebrate their achievements in grand style.”
In June, the Kona Marathon saw its first local winner in over 15 years when Allen Wagner crossed the finish line as the fastest male. Charity programs raised over $502,000 through the marathon.