May 8, 2024
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Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs Runner Comments
Back to Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 3.8 
Spectators 2.8
Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 11 to 18]
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s. r. from the jersey shore, new jersey
(7/30/2003)
 "Bring your own carbs" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon in road shoes. It was more about keeping your balance on lava. Do not wear sunglasses; they constantly fog up. Carry a small water bottle, and fill it at water stations. I am a mid-pack finisher. I was handed one water, and there were no carbs to refuel other than warm fruit. | |
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V. G. from California
(7/29/2003)
"Support stations were wonderful!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon. The course was very challenging, and the terrain spectacular. | |
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sutah robins from jersey shore
(7/28/2003)
"not enough light or food" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 If you show up before the locals, you need a flashlight to find registration. Park along fence by the gas station. Not lit. Pitch black until close to race start. As a single girl, I found it overwhelming. When asked, the race director sort of grunted and gazed in direction of registration. As no 'aloha' or lei is forthcoming, wait in your car for locals to show and then follow behind. Gaiters are not necessary. Neither are trail shoes. Use Amphipod pouches on a Fuel Belt. I carried Rio MP3 player. Wear biking gloves and carry hand-held Fuel Belt sm water bottle to sip. Fill at the stops. Humid. The acrid taste in your mouth for 13 miles is volcanic gases. Bring your own energy foods. Squeezable gels should do it. Water stations have water, Powerade (mostly lime flavor), and melting chunks of Power Bar, which is the last thing you want in your mouth in that heat. Try to stay to the left of orange flags across the lava. Trail not clearly marked when you come out of the woods to water stop/rest stop. Around mile 20. I went to the right, up the road instead of left back to the trail. Lost, I hailed a passing motorist. She pointed the WRONG WAY and said 'DEFINITELY'. Not trusting her, I asked a park employee. Lost 10 minutes on my time. The last water stop has no Powerade! Just water. At the finish there was warm, gooey local fruit and i was handed ONE water bottle. No bagels, no bananas, NONE of the usual post race refreshment. Not even Powerade. Yes, there was a massage tent at the finish, but personally I'd rather have the carbs. Note: at mile 13 you can kick it in gear, just hill after that. | |
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T. M. from Atlanta, GA
(7/28/2003)
 "Spectacular Course with Excellent Support" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Difficult, but spectacular, marathon. Very rocky first half of the course. Last three miles overlook breathtaking Caldera. A long commute for East-Coasters, but worth the travel. The aid station volunteers could not have been nicer or more helpful. Good post-race massage and food, and no waiting. | |
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A Runner from California
(7/29/2002)
 "Orgranization?????" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This a beautiful run, but the race director is a not a runner and could use some work in the organization department. The course is poorly marked. NO Medal! If not for the scenery, which is spectacular, this would be a race no one ran. | |
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Randall from Ka'a'awa Hawaii
(12/13/2001)
"Wilderness is an Understatement" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This marathon was great, although extreme. Organizers say expect to be one hour off your best time. They aren't kidding. The course is 13 miles of lava fields - no trail, course marked by piles of stones - 6 miles of road, and 7 miles of wilderness trail - mostly uphill. Only a couple of hundred runners, so part of the time you're out in the lava fields by yourself and can't see anyone around. At the farthest reaches, the volunteers pack in the drinks by mule the night before and camp out. It was a wonderfully unique experience. Do this one when you're ready for a challenge. | |
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A Runner from San Fernando Valley
(3/2/2001)
"Madame Pele Really Knows How to Treat Runners!" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This marathon is awesome! The aloha hospitality of the wonderful people at the aid stations rates a '10'. The course is surreal, like running on Mars. It offers sandy desert trails, rocky lava mounds to cross, dirt roads through jungles, and views, views, views! It's really amazing... and presents a challenging running adventure for seasoned trail marathoners. (There's a shorter race for the less-adventurous runner). There's a great 'all you can eat' dinner the night before and a finish line party with informal awards presentation. A tip: Carry water, wear trail gaters (lava splinters in your socks feel like glass) and wear bicycle gloves in case you fall. Now you're good to go! | |
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A Runner from Florida
(1/15/2001)
 "A very difficult course" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a very challenging, but rewarding marathon. The course follows the rim of Kilauea volcano, goes down 1000 ft across lava fields, then comes back up to the rim! The experience of running across the lava sculptures, past cinder cones and craters, and through sulfur vents borders on the surreal. There were only a few spectators since much of the race was in the wilderness area, but the volenteers were wonderful. Food and massages at the finish were very welcomed. |
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