I needed Hawaii for my 50 state challenge and since my husband had business in Honolulu - I decided to do this race. It's part of a year long series … MORE
I needed Hawaii for my 50 state challenge and since my husband had business in Honolulu – I decided to do this race. It’s part of a year long series to grow running interest to participate in the Honolulu Marathon. It was very reasonably priced as it should have been because there was absolutely no fluff. There was very little communication prior to the race and no travel help with hotels. There was no expo and packet pickup was at a running store in the middle of town with almost no parking. Also the running store had very little merchandise to shop for. The race began at 5:30 am at a local park. By mile 2 we were running up the Diamond Head Mountain only to come back down and run on a major Honolulu highway. The rest of the race was through residential areas. By the time the sun rose – we were past the short ocean view. Being at the end of the runners – I was always panicked that I couldn’t find my way back. The course was marked only with traffic cones – no mile markers. There was also absolutely NO crowd support. In fact many local residents were running the course with us as part of their daily runs. The finish was in a park with a few snacks available. Surprisingly – the medal and shirt were nice! A race is a race – but there have to be better Hawaii choices out there.
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Suited for locals only
I needed Hawaii for my 50 state challenge and since my husband had business in Honolulu - I decided to do this race. It's part of a year long series … MORE
I needed Hawaii for my 50 state challenge and since my husband had business in Honolulu – I decided to do this race. It’s part of a year long series to grow running interest to participate in the Honolulu Marathon. It was very reasonably priced as it should have been because there was absolutely no fluff. There was very little communication prior to the race and no travel help with hotels. There was no expo and packet pickup was at a running store in the middle of town with almost no parking. Also the running store had very little merchandise to shop for. The race began at 5:30 am at a local park. By mile 2 we were running up the Diamond Head Mountain only to come back down and run on a major Honolulu highway. The rest of the race was through residential areas. By the time the sun rose – we were past the short ocean view. Being at the end of the runners – I was always panicked that I couldn’t find my way back. The course was marked only with traffic cones – no mile markers. There was also absolutely NO crowd support. In fact many local residents were running the course with us as part of their daily runs. The finish was in a park with a few snacks available. Surprisingly – the medal and shirt were nice! A race is a race – but there have to be better Hawaii choices out there.
Fast-paced race with some caveats
Signed up for this race late but was still able to get a shirt. Organizers are extremely nice and accommodating. Nice to have a race day packet pick-up if needed. … MORE
Signed up for this race late but was still able to get a shirt. Organizers are extremely nice and accommodating. Nice to have a race day packet pick-up if needed. Ample parking at the park but you should arrive early. There was a headwind going out so plan on drafting another runner to save some energy. A few small hills kept it challenging. Witness a sunrise over the ocean as you make your way toward Diamond Head. Coming back was mostly flat with a slight downhill for a speed pickup. Keep hydrated as the 80 degree temp will cause you to dehydrate quickly and possibly slow your time. Nice medal and well organized with about 700 runners.