This beautiful USATF Certified course is all downhill except for a few gently rolling uphill sections at the beginning and end of the course. During the first 3 miles, the course is along Highway 11 as it passes through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and then enters the community of Volcano. …
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This beautiful USATF Certified course is all downhill except for a few gently rolling uphill sections at the beginning and end of the course. During the first 3 miles, the course is along Highway 11 as it passes through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and then enters the community of Volcano. For the first 15 miles the course is surrounded by a mixture of original Hawaiian hapu‘u & ʻōhiʻa rainforest, residential and agricultural land. The Start on a clear day offers a spectacular view of Hawai‘i’s highest volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, and during the first few miles runners will experience the dawn chorus of many Hawaiian endemic birds that may include the Apapane, Hawai‘i Amakihi, I‘iwi (all three are Hawaiian Honeycreepers), Oma‘o (Hawaiian Thrush), and Hawai‘i Elepaio (a monarch flycatcher). As you run, keep your eyes open for the Nene (Hawaiian Goose) and the ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk), both endangered Hawaiian endemic species. After Volcano at Mile 4.36, the race continues downhill along Highway 11 until Mile 26.06 when runners turn left onto Stainback Hwy to finish in Herbert Shipman Park.
Race Time Limit: Runners are expected to finish the race by 12 pm. Water Stops will be closed based on a 6 hour marathon pace and runners slower than 15 min per mile pace will be required to be self-sufficient.
The race is restricted to 165 runners and race walkers. Additional participants may be added from the Waitlist.
A race to support the endemic birds of Hawai‘i through the Hawai‘i Forest Institute sponsored Keauhou Bird Conservation Center Discovery Forest in Volcano, HI.
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Scenic downhill course
Some highlights from my personal experiences after running this marathon: ~ Starts from Volcano National Park on top of the mountain near the Volcano golf course. ~ Small race with … MORE
Some highlights from my personal experiences after running this marathon:
~ Starts from Volcano National Park on top of the mountain near the Volcano golf course.
~ Small race with maximum 150 runners.
~ Mostly downhill with last 2-3 miles flat.
~ Greenery all around and so scenic.
~ It’s mostly running solo as there are less number of runners.
~ This year approx. 112 runners ran this marathon.
~ Smallest medal in the form of pendant which is made of sterling silver.
Overall, I loved this race in beautiful and scenic Hawaii with downhill course. Allen the race director along with the volunteers did an amazing job in making this low key race a great success. Would love to be back and run this race again in the future.
Great for BQ
Awesome downhill race to help BQ. Started at higher elevation so was super cold! But by mile 17-18 it starts to get hot and sun is out! U are also … MORE
Awesome downhill race to help BQ. Started at higher elevation so was super cold! But by mile 17-18 it starts to get hot and sun is out! U are also dealing with traffic because roads are open. Once u see the zoo sign u know it’s almost done!