KIHEI – The ninth annual Valley To The Sea Half Marathon & 5K/10K is set for March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, starting at 6 a.m.

This race is held during whale season, and the views are beautiful.

Sign up for the event through runnersparadiseinc.com/main/; rates go up on March 1.

The event will feature great medals, awards, T-shirts, food and entertainment. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, so expect some fun stuff. Dress up in your green attire, too!

The half marathon starts at 6 a.m., with both the 5K and 10K starting shortly after. Both sub-events have some beach running to them and are very scenic and flat the whole time.

The half marathon will start at Iao Needle State Park and finish at the National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei. Both the 5K and 10K will start and end at the sanctuary.

For half marathon runners, a shuttle at 5 a.m. will take them from the finish line at the sanctuary in Kihei to the start line in Iao Valley. Don’t be late! You must also reserve your spot prior to the race.

Racers can also be dropped off at Iao.

Parking is limited at the National Marine Sanctuary, so park safely in proper areas on side streets and away from the race course.