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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 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 > ]

James Willliamson from Oahu, HI (3/19/2008) "Great experience" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This run was fun and enjoyable. The views along the way were spectacular. There are areas you run into town and the airport, but overall it's hard to beat the feeling I had coming across the bridge into town and seeing the sun break over the ocean. It rained a little and for a few minutes a little harder than I would have liked, but didn't stop it from being a positive experience overall. Before running I was concerned on how the course was marked and if there would be enough aid stations, but soon found out that wasn't a problem at all. There were people here and there cheering along the way, plenty of aid stations and everyone was very friendly through out the entire run. Because of the amount of rain Hilo gets, the roads shoulders are slanted for run-off a little more than most places, which means if you run on the shoulders in some spots you will be running at an angle. There was enough room to run on the road and avoid this for the most part and was only a problem in a few areas.
B. B. from Texas (3/18/2008) "A winner" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This race has everything you could want: - During (our) spring break - Reasonable entry fee ($70/90 late) - Host hotel only $110 w/ view of ocean and only 1/2 mile from finish - Small expo with free massages - Free, short bus ride to start - Inside place to wait at start - Conscientious race director - Beautiful course (first 8 miles and parts of end) - Small field (260) - Adequate water stops, gel at 18, new sponges every 2 miles - Flat after mile 10 - Course passes hotel twice - Early start, so finishes early - Cooling rain - Announcer calling out your name - Hula girls handing out medals - Printed times handed to you - Massages at finish - Easy walk/ample parking - Aloha spirit Go early and "acclimate" yourself to the island by staying on the dryer western coast/in Kona, so you can have some fun first - lots to do (but bring plenty of money). The drive to Hilo is 2 hours, and it's good for one night. You can carbo load on the amazing smoothies at What's Shakin' at mile 2 of the course (look for the "scenic drive" signs - take pictures so your friends will be jealous!) and eat dinner on the main street downtown at Cafe Pesto. I wish every marathon were this well run, this runner-friendly, this beautiful, this memorable.
D. T. from Honolulu, HI (3/18/2008) "First time was a BLAST!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 After reading comments about other 26.2's, this one got my attention to be my first. Boy did I pick right! What an incredible experience. Wayne "Big Dog" knows what he is doing, and adding a half next year shows that this event weekend will only get bigger. For the race, I have all good things to say. The first 8 or so are through rolling hills of rain forests and waterfalls (I brought a disposable camera). Rolling hills that drop 500 feet into Hilo, where you run past the finish the first of three times. The run to and around the airport is tough, with little crowd support. The portion between the airport and the turn-around got a bit warm, but was flat. Finishing was great; you can see the end, but have to do a "victory lap" around the park before the finish straight-away. The aid stations were fantastic! Well supplied and cheerfully staffed! I will be back next year to challenge this course again.
C. F. from Vancouver, Canada (3/17/2008) "Very nice small marathon" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 What can be better than running in Hawaii?
Taunya Rediger Hicks from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (10/29/2007) "Gorgeous First Half" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I've lived in Hawaii for 16 years, and this course even takes MY breath away (figuratively speaking only, of course). The first half is on winding, rolling hills... usually with a light rain, while the sun is rising. I can't believe more runners do not show up for this event. I have run it four times, and cannot wait to run it again. Kudos to whoever thought of beginning down the Hamakua Coast. Beautiful!!!
G. K. from Los Angeles, CA (5/26/2007) "Slanted course and lack of supporters killed me!" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 The first half of the marathon (to 11 miles) is straight downhill, 500 ft. net downhill to be exact. This is hard on the knees, although it is easier for people who aren't running that fast. And the strain it actually causes on your knees doesn't become apparent to you until you reach the 6 mile or more stretch of sideways slanted road, where you calf, knee, and quads absolutely suffer. The aid stations were scanty to say the least - one was 3 or 4 miles away from another... in the hot, humid air, aid stations are vital! Lastly, I believe I saw a total of 50 supports along the course... it was like I was running a marathon by myself. I dropped 20 minutes off my best time because of running big island. Unless you plan on walking/jogging this marathon for the scenery, don't expect a pleasant run!
B. L. from Maui, Hawaii (3/27/2007) "Outstanding Small Hawaiian Marathon" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the 10th running of this marathon. I have run it 8 times. It is outstanding in all ways. Small, no hassles, great organization, excellent aid stations, great finish line refreshments, great for spectators in that runners cross near the finish line area at about 11 miles, again during the last mile, & finally at the finish. So without logistics issues, family & friends can see you running (& take pictures) these 3 times just by just hanging out & walking around the finish area. Other highlights are a 5K & a 10.8 mile race run concurrently for any family or friends who want to do a shorter race & still see you doing the marathon. Marathon age group awards are mostly in 5 year increments so more chance for an award. This race is run during a relatively cool time in Hawaii. The marathon & 10.8 mile courses are absolutely beautiful, Hawaiian style. Be aware that Hilo is a very rainy area & this could be a problem in a long race. However in the 8 I have run, rain has never been a problem & the light rain that has fallen has helped the runners. Congrats to race director, Big Dog, & all the volunteers for another oustanding Big Island Interational Marathon. Mahalo!!
Amy Kisielica from Chicago, IL (3/27/2007) "Great beginning; ending a bit boring" (about: 2007) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The first half of the course was incredible, with lush forests and gorgeous waterfalls, and with a view of the sunrise, but once you hit the halfway point, you were running through the airport and down busy streets. The end of the course was confusing and there wasn't a whole lot of direction. The people at the aid stations were super and I was very, very happy to see the guys with the PowerBars! Thank you! The downside of the marathon is that you have to stay in Hilo. The accommodations were subpar at best. I'm not sure the Brady Bunch would've stayed at the Hilo Hawaiian 35 years ago. Luckily we stayed at a great B&B called Palms Cliff Inn. Highly recommend for next year!
J. L. from `Aiea, HI (3/26/2007) "A little bit of everything in one marathon!!!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Very nice, well-rounded course. The first half is very scenic with rolling hills while the latter half is mainly flat. The aid stations were well placed. The volunteers and crowds were very supportive and enthusiastic.
T. P. from Suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA (3/25/2007) "Best State of Hawaii Option, In My Opinion" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Field size, course, and weather made this a hands-down choice for my Hawaii marathon. (Mostly overcast/slightly rainy weather in 2007 helped.) There is a substantial early-bird entry discount, there were buses to the start, a beautiful course for the first 1/3 of the race and a reasonable one for the remainder, no extreme crowds or oppressive heat, competently marked and marshaled course, and volunteers exuding aloha spirit. At the finish was a reasonable spread of food (but a last-minute substitution of tomatoes for bananas - forgivable), an announcer, massages, one late aid station (passed by twice) with gels and energy bars, and shell leis, Kona coffee sample, and t-shirt for finishers. Most of the complaints/deficiencies from earlier editions probably no longer apply. If you require a 26-mile-long picnic or party, this marathon might not be to your liking. The biggest concern I had was lack of information - most of which is covered in other marathons' entry forms and websites. I will credit the race director for promptly answering my questions, but if some typical marathon information was provided up-front, it'd give a clearer picture of positives of this marathon. Some downsides from previous reviews still applied - primarily water only at the first 3 aid stations (miles 2, 4, and 6). But, among other previously mentioned things I liked about BIIM, the bag drop and other start amenities (roofed pre-race area with lube, sunscreen, water) are not mentioned, as well as sufficiently detailed award descriptions (3 deep for 5-year age groups).

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