Rita Denniston (Mihaly)
In early 1990, The Honolulu Advertiser proclaimed Rita Denniston the “top woman endurance athlete” of the decade. She was a dominant force in local races in the 1980’s, placing first or second in races from 10Ks to ultramarathons:
- She won the Hawaii Women’s 10K three times: 1985 (36:19), 1988 (36:58) and 1989 (36:35) and placed second twice (1983 and 1987).
- Denniston won the kamaaina or Hawaii resident award in the Honolulu marathon FIVE times: 1983 (2:54:46, 5th female), 1984 (2:45:09, 3rd female, Hawaii state record), 1986 (2:49:34, 6th female), 1987 (2:52:26, 5th female), and 1988 (2:47:42, 3rd female).
- She won the women’s division in the 1986 ultramarathon Run to the Sun (5:53:52), setting a course record.
Nationally, Denniston competed in two U.S. Olympic Trials marathon distance, in 1984 (2:44:15 PR) and 1988 (2:48:06). She was also competitive internationally, placing first or second female in three Manila International Marathons and second female in the 1987 Vancouver International Marathon. Plus, placed 1st female in the 1988 Hiroshima International Peace 30K (1:54:30).
Denniston brings the same passion and discipline she gained from years of running to her everyday life, with a firm belief that body, mind, and spirit work together and one should never give up. The Honolulu Advertiser highlighted her unwavering dedication and persistence in running, regardless of challenges.
Denniston was born the fifth child out of seven in Los Angeles and raised in Torrance, California before moving to Kauai at 17. She works for a large resort on Maui as the Marketing Supervisor and has lived in Haiku Maui for the past 26 years. She has two children and two grandchildren.