Invitational Team Challenge
At this year’s Hapalua, the spirit of aloha will shine brighter than ever.
The 2025 Hapalua Invitational Team Challenge is dedicated to supporting Matt Holton — a beloved figure in Hawaii’s running community and a longtime member of Team Hawaii. Since the very first Hapalua in 2012, Matt has been a cornerstone of our Team Challenge, racing with heart, strength, and a smile that lifted everyone around him.
Sadly, Matt suffered a life-changing stroke last year. He faces a long and difficult road ahead, and our community has rallied around him to offer support.
This year, every step in the Invitational Team Challenge will be run in Matt’s honor. We invite everyone in the Hawaii running ohana — and beyond — to stand with Matt and his family during this time.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with Matt’s ongoing hospital care and recovery needs.
About the Team Challenge:
Two teams — Team Diamond Head and Team Duke Statue — will battle for bragging rights at The Hapalua! All runners will start together at 6:00am, with handicaps applied to their finish times to determine the top 10 scoring runners for each team. It’s a unique, thrilling competition — but this year, it’s about much more than just winning. It’s about community. It’s about Matt.
Let’s show Matt the power of our aloha spirit.
Run with heart. Run for Matt.
