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Apr 29, 2024

Big Island International Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Big Island International Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 67 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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J. B. from Kailua-Kona, HI (3/26/2010) "Beautiful course; well-run marathon" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Big Island International Marathon is an ideal small marathon. Its organization is superb. The course is well marked with generally accurate markers every mile. Aid stations are well stocked and plentiful. The first half of the course is very scenic, going by some of Hawaii's beautiful waterfalls and beaches. The first 8 miles also contain rolling hills with 3 or 4 pretty steep sections. The hills aren't so much of an issue early in the race when you're going up and down them; you're much more likely to feel their effects around mile 20. After mile 8 the rest of the course is pretty much flat. The second half is not as scenic as the first, but it still offers some good beach views and a trip down Banyan Drive. I've heard it suggested that the BIIM course is about 5 minutes slower than a flat, fast course, and that seems about right to me. Post-race kept up with the high overall quality of the event. There were plentiful massages and refreshments, and there was a very nice award ceremony with awards presented by young hula dancers. The BIIM is a great experience for anyone looking for a small marathon with an intimate, personal feel.
Steve Pavao from Hilo, Hawaii (3/25/2010) "The Greatest Marathon Anywhere!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run all of the Hawaii Marathons, and the marathons from San Francisco to Boston, and I believe without a doubt that this is the best marathon. In 2010 it was cool and overcast much of the time, with some light rain on and off during the race. The people are just terrific, the true essence of the Aloha spirit. The volunteers were second to none. The scenery is just breathtaking - rivers, streams, waterfalls amongst lush tropical forests, and the beautiful panoramic coastlines... wow.
C. S. from Springfield, Illinois USA (3/24/2010) "This is THE Hawaii Race to Run" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Well organized, scenic, and the race director (and his wife) really cares about this race. This was my 50th state, so I'm still kind of excited, but I couldn't have chosen a better race. I lost track of the number of local runners who went out of their way to make me and my wife feel welcome, before, during and after the race. The RD gave me bib 50, and answered my emails about what sites to see while there. The pasta dinner had live entertainment, and great food. The first 8 miles were hilly and scenic, just as advertised, so no surprise there. They are intentionally keeping this race small, so sign up early (for only $40!!). Volunteers were great and cheerful, especially for how early in the day it was. Very positive experience.
m. s. from mansfield, tx (3/23/2010) "Small race in an awesomne place" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 Small field in a great place however very rainy in 2010. Expo was basically a number pick up and not much else. Course spectators are nil and course markings were severely lacking. Near mile 17 I was lost several times when there were no directions or volunteers pointing the way. At the finish they hand you a printout with your time and place overall and in your division - a nice touch. Overall a good race in paradise, but not a great race.
J. M. from Kona, HI. (3/22/2010) "Aloooooha!" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I read the previous comments about the race and was fairly nervous about the first 8 (allegedly very hilly) miles, however, they weren't that bad! The hills are gradual in grade, and far from being 'roller coaster' like. I didn't have any problem with aching knees (but then again, I ran the half, and I'm a Proud Penguin 10-minute miler). There is also a lot more downhill running than up, so the course (in addition to the cool, early morning weather) can really set you up for a PR/faster than normal run. The course itself is visually spectacular- classic 'old Hawaii,' it feels like a shame to not stop and take pictures of the surfing, the waterfalls, the shady tree-lined roads and little shacks along the river. Though I have to admit, it was the first time I've ever heard roosters throughout the course! ;-) What makes this race special? It's small, personal (I got quick replies to my emailed questions to the Race Director, well organized (the starting line had sunscreen, vaseline, water, gatorade, etc.), affordable (was surprised to get nice, non-cotton race shirt), and did I mention scenic? The only thing the race is lacking is crowd support (it's still a largely rural area you're running in), so if that's important to you, bring friends or an MP3 player... All in all, if you're looking to do a small race in a beautiful setting without the crowds or expense of Maui/Oahu- this is wonderful event. Just remember to register early because their low prices mean they sell out fast! Kudos to the Race Director and his volunteers!
Stephen Brown from Palmer, Alaska (6/19/2009) "An Alaskan's Nightmare" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I know Hawaii is supposed to be a tropical paradise (and it is), but this race is literally hell for an arctic dweller. Humidity, steam rising from the streets following intermittent showers and sunshine conspired to make this my worst race. However, beautiful scenery, great organization and wonderful people more than made up for the humidity and temps. The course is tougher than you might first think. Some gnarly hills in the first 8 miles are problematic, as are some scary traffic issues. Watch out for some very territorial roosters when running through the farming areas. Overall a great experience. Just not good for someone used to running in -20!
S. C. from United States (3/28/2009) "Well organized; beautiful and scenic course" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was thrilled to find out that the 2009 12th Annual Big Island International Marathon would now include a half marathon as well. I always wanted to run the full Big Island Marathon but I much prefer to train for a half marathon over the brutal Michigan winter and save marathons for later in the year. The course was absolutely amazing, taking you past waterfalls, surf beaches and into Hilo, Hawaii for a nice finish on the waterfront of Hilo Bay. Very well organized by local Wayne "Big Dog" Joseph. Transportation to the starting line was easy and orderly with plenty of buses. The Hilo Hawaiian served as a great host hotel and provided clean bathrooms and a nice, comfortable lobby in which to wait for buses. Once at the starting point water, Gatorade and even bags suitable for making ponchos were provided. I was also impressed with the number of porta-potties available at the start and throughout the race. Obviously the organizers are runners and have provided as only runners could. The finisher shirt has a wonderful artist drawing and is suitable for framing! This was the best of 7 marathons and half marathons I've done. I will be back again for this one.
Scotty Anderson from Honolulu (3/27/2009) "Better than Honolulu. Beautiful, fun and hard." (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to doing it again. Really nice people.
Kami K. from Corpus Christi, TX (3/27/2009) "Humidity won the marathon!" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Big Island International Marathon March 22, 2009 Hilo, HI 6:00 AM Hilo, the second largest city in the state, is located beneath Mauna Kea, the tallest peak in the Big Island. It is the southernmost as well as the wettest city (average annual rainfall is approximately 128 inches at the airport) in the United States. Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, 29 miles west of Hilo, and Waipio Valley, about 40 miles north of Hilo, are must-see places. I flew into Hilo on Thursday afternoon and stayed in the host hotel, Hilo Hawaiian. At 4:30 AM, busses began transporting the runners to the start line. Temperature was in the 70s. We had access to a community center. The race started at 6:00 AM. Although there was a net drop of 500 feet between miles zero and 10, there were several hills within the first 8 miles, which was also the most scenic part of the route (waterfalls, exotic trees/plants, narrow bridges). From mile 10 to the finish was basically flat. We ran a large number of miles on slanted road shoulders, which made the footing less than desirable. From shortly after miles 17 to shortly after miles 24, it was out and back with our backs to the traffic, and I am one of those who does not like to run with his back to the traffic. Fortunately, there were not too many cars on the road. There were ample water/sports drinks stations. Wet sponges after mile 18 were very much appreciated. There was hardly any crowd support but race volunteers were cheerful. There were rain showers on and off, followed by in-and-out sunshine, which made it immensely humid. There were more than enough recovery food items and drinks at the finish. Each finisher received a short-sleeved cotton T-shirt, medallion, and a bag of coffee. The run was not chip-timed, but individualized race time reports were available a few minutes after crossing the finish line. High humidity made this a very challenging marathon. I would like to thank the race organizers and volunteers. I am a 50-stater and this was #45.
E. R. from NJ (3/24/2008) "This is a no-brainer for your Hawaii Marathon" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a tough course because the first half beats your legs up and then the second half lets you know it. However, I think it is the best in Hawaii because: - March is the perfect time of year to run in Hawaii. Cool enough for most of the race, but still a good beach day if you're lucky! Of course, Hilo is rainy, so plan to spend time all around the island. - Small, intimate event with a maximum of around 300 runners. - Good support along the course; I can't remember ever wishing for a water station - in fact, I found myself skipping a couple. - A chance to see a side of Hawaii that a lot of people don't see because they're spending all of their time on the beaches. Nothing quite like running in a rain forest! From what I hear, other Hawaii races on other islands are very overcrowded and not as well organized. I never felt closer to home than running this very local feeling race.

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