Outrigger Resorts off to a running start as official hotel sponsor of The Hapalua

RELEASE NUMBER 23/15

WAIKIKI, HONOLULU, HAWAII – A longtime supporter of local community events, Outrigger Resorts is pleased to continue as the official hotel sponsor of The Hapalua, Hawaii’s Half Marathon, with special rates at Outrigger’s Waikiki hotels for those who book early and an opportunity to participate with Team Outrigger in support of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Athletes will hit the starting line on April 12 to run or walk the 13.1-mile race that will take runners through Waikiki to downtown Honolulu and back, finishing with a loop around stunning Diamond Head toward Kapiolani Park, the traditional finish line for the Honolulu Marathon. The race boasts no time limit for the course, which makes it friendly for walkers or runners of any age or ability, and will have a host of entertainment and activities just past the finish line.

Participants and their families are invited to visit the “Outrigger Hospitality Pavilion” after the race where athletes can enjoy a complimentary 5-minute massage from Ka Moku Ola Oiwi courtesy of Outrigger Resorts. Also, spectators and family members can relax under the shade while awaiting their favorite athlete, enjoy family-friendly activities and enter for a chance to win a weekend staycation at one of Outrigger Resorts’ Oahu properties.

The Hapalua is also a cause-based event that gives participants the opportunity to raise funds for their favorite cause or charity through the fundraising platform Crowdrise. This year, Team Outrigger is supporting the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the organization’s Worldwide Voyage, a multi-year journey of the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hokulea that will cover 47,000 nautical miles, 85 ports and 26 countries with the purpose of highlighting the world’s diverse cultural and natural treasures and the importance of working together to protect them.

“Outrigger is proud to once again take our mark as the official hotel sponsor of The Hapalua,” said Bitsy Kelley, vice president of corporate communications for Outrigger Enterprises Group. “We invite both our guests and local residents to participate in this fun event that also raises funds for many worthy organizations and causes. This year, Team Outrigger’s efforts will go to support the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Worldwide Voyage.”

“Outrigger Resorts has been a strong supporter of The Hapalua since the very beginning, and we are thrilled to have them onboard once again and look forward to many years to come,” said Dr. Jim Barahal, president of The Hapalua Half Marathon.

Book early for special hotel rates

As the official hotel sponsor, Outrigger Resorts is offering participants and spectators special rates at participating Outrigger and OHANA hotels in Waikiki, with each hotel conveniently located within walking distance to the race’s start and finish lines. Participating properties include Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, OHANA Waikiki East Hotel and OHANA Waikiki Malia Hotel. For reservations, log on to www.outrigger.com/outrigger-sports/hapalua and use promo code SPORTS.

Join Team Outrigger to support the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Worldwide Voyage

Team Outrigger has set a goal of raising $5,000 this year in support of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Worldwide Voyage, a multi-year effort that will take more than 300 crewmembers on a journey around the world, and invites walkers, runners and their family and friends to help reach the goal.

“This legendary sail is already underway and is helping to raise awareness of the need to protect our oceans, island Earth and to share the rich Hawaiian culture with the world. We invite The Hapalua participants to join with us in support of these wonderful efforts,” Kelley said.

By joining and raising at least $50 for Team Outrigger, runners and walkers receive a discount code that drops the registration fee to $40. However, you don’t have to walk or run to make a difference. Everyone can log on to Team Outrigger’s Crowdrise page to make a donation, with all donations made to this half marathon tax deductible. Visit https://www.crowdrise.com/TEAMOUTRIGGER to participate with Team Outrigger.

Until April 3, The Hapalua entry fee is $128 for Hawaii, USA and Canada residents, and $145 for international residents. To sign up the day of the marathon, the walk-in fee will be $160 for all participants.

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