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Apr 29, 2024

Big Island International Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.1

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 67 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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N. B. from Kansas City, Mo (6/22/2012) "Beatiful and friendly" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Course- The beautiful parts of the course were better then I expected. I've been to Hawaii 5-6 times and prefer the quiet mountains and coasts to the more popular/crowded areas. This course was beautiful beyond what I thought it would be until mile 10 or so. Running around an airport for 6-8 miles of the 2nd half was NOT beautiful. I found only one thing lacking and don't know why - a photographer. With this being an anniversary/big money trip you would think a higher number of folks then average would want pictures. Alas, we celebrated our 20 anniversary and my wife's birthday with no pictures of the race for memories. Food: I finished just after 5 hours so when I read the description of soda and beer I felt like I had attended a different race... Every race director has their own preference on how to handle this-perhaps there could be a more consistent experience for more of the runners. If I was here again I would run the half because the scenery was to die for.
Clyde Shank from Texas (4/2/2012) "Well organized, beautiful small town feel race" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Wayne 'Big Dog' and his team of wonderful volunteers put on a real nice down home small town marathon. Very scenic beautiful surroundings layered in waterfalls and rolling ocean views for the first 10 miles. One of the coolest marathons in Hawaii since it gets 5x the annual rainfall of what we get in Dallas, Texas. Great atmosphere and personal attention really set this one apart.
P. F. from Portland, Oregon (4/9/2011) "Great, Low-Key Marathon on a Beautiful Island" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Race organization is good, from packet pickup to finish line. The volunteers make this race. They are enthusiastic, helpful and still cheering when the stragglers come through. The traffic support crew makes you feel safe. There is nothing negative about this race except the course itself. The first 8 miles are superb. Running through the rainforest on back roads up and down hills is awesome. The views along the ocean are beautiful. Once you pass the finish line and go through Hilo Bay and Banyon Drive, the course is blazing and repetitive. The post-race food is abundant and includes cold beer and soda. Award recipients stand on a podium and are presented with medals by the local kids in Hawaiian-style grass skirts. The race director, Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph, does an excellent job with this event. He works hard to make it a success.
M. F. from Honolulu, HAWAII (4/8/2011) "ALWAYS SPECIAL" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 THANK YOU, director "Big Dog" and supporters, for always putting together a special marathon in my home town! I enjoy returning to my birthplace and running the course through familiar territory, particularly the "old, scenic road" and beautiful Hilo Bay and coast. Everyone's time and effort expended in putting on this well-organized event is appreciated. I particularly love hearing the runner's name and location announced, crossing the finish line. How personal and intimate!
Sally Marrack from Hilo, HI (4/4/2011) "Beautiful, breath-taking & very well organized" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run this marathon 5 times. This is one of my favorite marathons out of the 34 I have run and every year it gets better. It is VERY well organized. This year the marathon and half marathon sold out as well as the 5K. I believe the limit is 300 entries per race so be sure you don't procrastinate too much if you are thinking of entering. The sights are amazing, especially the first 8 miles and the last 6. The waterfalls and ocean views are breathtaking. The advantage of this marathon over Honolulu is that you get to start as the sun is rising so you get the chance to enjoy the incredible scenery (rather than running half of it before the sun even rises). I also prefer the size of the marathon. There are plenty of volunteers on the course to offer drinks and cheer you on. And the post massage was incredible this year. I hope the same volunteers return next year. Thank you!
Zack Springfield from Washington, DC (4/3/2011) "Well-Organized, Community Race" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a good race, although the comments from previous years seem a bit overly generous. It's a small, community race that draws a decent number of out-of-towners (it's Hawaii after all). About half the course is beautiful, run through the rainforest and along the ocean - while the other half is more of an afterthought, along access roads through the local airport and military base. Great community support - probably more volunteers than runners - and very welcoming aloha spirit. Lots of well-stocked hydration stops; they had wet sponges and GU on the back half. Race Director is a really nice guy and a running purist. The race has the "extras" (pasta dinner, expo, shirts, medals, awards, etc.), although they were nothing to get overly excited about. Instead, the focus seemed to be on the needs of the runners (well-marked course, great hydration stops, post-race reception and massages). Website and pre-race instructions had minimal info, but RD was responsive and always nearby. Compared to big marathons, this one seemed a little hokey and amateur at times, but always genuine.
R. G. from Honolulu, HI (3/31/2011) "Great race and a scenic course" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a great race through the scenic side roads of the Big island of Hawaii. I loved the bridges (counted 12 of them), and the waterfalls. I thought the course was fast, especially the first half, which resulted in one of my fastest marathon finishes ever. The support crews do a fantastic job of traffic control and water distribution. I will do it again.
Traci Falbo from Indiana (3/29/2011) "Beautiful Course! Great Organization!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The marathon started in the dark. Shortly after, the sun came up showing beautiful scenery. The first 8 miles were gorgeous with view of the the coast/tropical rainforest. It was hilly, more down than up, but not bad. The rest of the race was fairly flat. Some of it ran around the airport/national guard, but later there was more along the ocean and Banyan Drive, which was pretty. I got an awesome post-race massage... the best I have ever gotten (out of 38 marathons). The finisher's shirt was cool. I tried tarot sweet bread... super yummy! Post-race food and drinks were great. Awards were awesome! The race director was super nice and personable. He runs a well-organized race.
Terry Fowler from Wallace, Nebraska (3/26/2011) "Absolute Wonderful Experience" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 There really are no words to discribe the beauty of this race. You are in Hawaii. The course was harder than I had anticipated, but part of the problem is that it is hard to stay focused. You are constantly looking at the beauty of the course and area. This was my first time to Hawaii and I would recommend this race to everyone who has a desire to compete and see the big island. Memories for a liftetime. Thank you!!
Maniacles #180 from Honolulu (4/5/2010) "Destination Marathon" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Fifty Staters, Marathon Maniacs and other marathon travelers, Come enjoy the beauty of the 50th state and all the Big Island has to offer. From the beautiful beaches of the Kona coast to the volcanic rain forests of the national park, this island's diversity has much to offer. While you are visiting, run a half or a full marathon. Runners marvel at the beauty of the early miles. The net downhill is forgotten as you weave along the lush valleys of these tropical forests (with a few hills as you climb out of these gulches). Waterfalls and coqui frogs greet the runners as the sun rises over the ocean. The middle miles are less spectacular, as you enter the industrial area around the airport. At mile 17, you return to the coast road with views of the ocean and native fishponds. Caution to our out-of-state guests: the heat and humidity can take a toll in the second half. This small, intimate race is well organized by a veteran runner RD. Don't expect too much at the "expo," or large crowds of spectators. The quality of the volunteers and spectators is great, however, as this small town shares the aloha spirt. Visit the Big Island, run and enjoy a few days playing tourist. Sign up soon as this year's registration closed early.

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