XTERRA Trail Runs will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui

"Bigs" and "Littles" will run on new course at Kapalua

One way or another, Leedo Anderson will be blazing a trail for the next generation at the inaugural XTERRA Kapalua Trail Runs this weekend.

This is the first time that an XTERRA Trail Run is being staged in Kapalua, Maui, so the course will be new for the entire field, which is expected to exceed 700 runners. Anyone can still participate in the trail runs, and the event will serve as a benefit for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui organization. The event is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, and it will feature three races - the Duke's Beach House XTERRA 10K, the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K, and the Kimo's Keiki K.

Two of the runners in the field will be Anderson and his "Little Brother" R.J. Helson. They are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui program.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui is "to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever."

Krislyn Mossman,  Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui, said several participants and staff members from the organization will participate in the XTERRA Kapalua Trail Runs on Saturday.

(R.J. Helson and Leedo Anderson photo, courtesy of Anderson family)

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui always looks forward to participating in and benefiting from the XTERRA Trail Runs Event each year," she said.

"The support this event brings to our agency is very important and allows our agency to continue to change the lives of Maui's children for the better, through our 1-to-1 mentoring programs, especially in these tough economic times. We are very thankful to XTERRA and all of the high-energy runners and supporters that they help to get involved in our agency through this annual event."

Anderson works as a deputy sheriff on Maui, and has already raised three children of his own. He signed up to become a "Big Brother" with the organization two years ago.

"I work as a deputy sheriff here (on Maui), and I wanted to make more of a difference in the community than just arresting people," Anderson said. "I think something like this trail run is great. It allows us to get out and do something healthy together, and it also helps bring awareness to Big Brothers Big Sisters, so it's good all around."

Anderson and Helson will participate in the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K. Their pre-race plan is to run the course together, but Anderson thinks that might change once the race starts. "I think we'll try to run side-by-side as much as possible, but I have a feeling this kid is going to smoke me," Anderson said.

The XTERRA Kapalua Trail Runs are open to runners of all ages and skill levels and online registration is available at www.xterramaui.com.  In-person registration will also be available at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua starting on Wednesday, Oct. 20. See below for schedule.

XTERRA Kapalua Trail Runs

What: Duke's Beach House XTERRA 10K; Hula Grill XTERRA 5K; Kimo's Keiki K
Where: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Maui
When: Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 a.m. start
Who: Open to runners of all ages and skill levels (Kimo's Keiki K is for children age 10 and younger)
Entry fees: $40 for 10K; $30 for 5K; discounts available for students and military; Keiki race is free
Online: www.xterramaui.com
In-person registration at Ritz-Carlton Kapalua: Wednesday, Oct. 19 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 20 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 21 - 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday (race day) - 7-8 a.m.

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