Winter is transitioning into spring, a sure sign the time has arrived for the annual Big Island International Marathon.
The race, like many athletic events in the COVID-19 era, will take on a new look as the marathon and its three associated races will take place virtually from Sunday, March 14 to April 11.
"While all racers are free to run the entire distance on the first day, log their race times, and wait for their awards, we encourage each participant to take part in our four-week, interactive virtual event, filled with online opportunities to make new connections, pose additional challenges for yourself and others, and see what the Big Island has to offer," the race's website states.
Under the virtual format, competitors can run a marathon, half-marathon, 10K or 5K at the time of their choosing during the eligible days. Registration deadline is March 14, according to the official website.
Typically, the race begins in Hilo along the Bayfront Highway and Mamalahoa Highway, through the coast of Old Hawaii, and finishes at the bayfront. The course time for the race has been 6 hours and 45 minutes.
T-shirts and medals will be mailed to participants on Monday, April 26.
Entry fee is $50 for the half marathon run and $40 for the 10K. The 5K entry is $40. Additional information is available at http://hilomarathon.org/contact/.