Press Release - Kilauea Volcano Runs - 9/26/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  2008 Marked Final Running of Kilauea Volcano Runs within the Park

Volcano, HI - Friday, September 26, 2008 - The Volcano Art Center and 
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park today announced that 2008 marked the final 
running of the annual Kilauea Volcano Runs within the park.

The necessity and appropriateness of the three races—a 26.2 mile marathon, 
10 mile rim run, and 5 mile caldera run—being held within the national park 
have been under discussion between the two agencies for the past several 
years. The event, conducted under a federal special use permit, requires 
strict compliance to ensure protection of the park’s natural and cultural 
resources and adherence to national park policy and law, and wilderness 
regulations.

The summit eruption of Halema'uma'u Crater that began in March 2008 nearly 
forced the cancellation of the race this year, but park officials and race 
organizers worked together to reroute the marathon and 10-mile course to 
avoid the volcanic fumes and fallout. Sulfur dioxide gas and ash from the 
ongoing eruption continues to inundate several miles of the former race 
routes.

Phyllis Segawa, Volcano Art Center Director, was the race director for the 
first Kilauea Wilderness Run. Said Segawa, "We have time to explore 
alternative routes in Volcano and Ka'u."

The Kilauea Volcano Runs celebrated its 26th year in 2008. The races often 
would attract 1000 runners and proceeds from the event would benefit the 
Volcano Art Center.

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