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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 41 to 51]

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K. L. from Atlanta, GA (3/24/2007) "Beautiful but hard marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon. It was a good race overall. The first 8 miles were absolutely beautiful and made the race worthwhile. After mile 12 you run through the airport and then down to the coast. There are very few crowds, which was kind of a letdown. The miles where you need someone to cheer you on, there is no one in sight. Also they ran out of cups at one of the stops, which was disappointing when you were expecting water. It was also very hot and humid. Anyone that is not from Hawaii will need to be prepared for weather they have not trained in. Overall though, I had a lot of fun. I wouldn't have picked this one for my first knowing what I know now, but it is a fun place to run and I would do it again.
C. H. from Waipahu, Hawaii (3/24/2007) "Beautiful but challenging" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Being that this was only my second marathon off the island of Oahu, I found the Hilo marathon to be a real test of my running ability. I thoroughly enjoyed the run. The course was very picturesque for the first 10 miles, and again on our return. Although the crowd support was minimal, the few that showed up were so supportive. The volunteers were also very encouraging. Very cozy run. I loved it.
T. M. from Casa Grande AZ (3/22/2007) "My new favorite marathon!!!!" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Aloha! I registered for this race because it was on my birthday and thought this would be a fabulous way to spend it.... I WAS RIGHT!! This was absolutely the most beautiful marathon (or any event for that matter) that I've ever done. I never thought I'd experience a race that topped the NY or LA Marathons. This race blew them out of the water. Thanks to the comments from last year, I was completely prepared. I brought my own food and drink, which really was overkill, as Gatorade started at the mile 8 aid station. Still... the athlete is ultimately responsible for assuring they have what they need. The course is amazing... waterfalls, rainforest, skirting the ocean. I didn't even mind meandering around the airport. The support was great. The weather was almost perfect. It got very toasty for me from mile 16-21. I was (in my head) begging for rain. It was as if my prayers were answered at mile 22. The rain poured down and cooled me right off. I ran the last 4 miles faster than the first 4! It was awesome. Massages were great at the finish. Limited food at the finish, however I was prepared for that after reading last years comments. This is not a big race. I believe there were 250 entrants. Yet, I got so much more out of this experience than any of the previous marathons or triathlons I've done (including Ironman). I loved it! I loved it! I hope to come back again sometime, however I'm not sure I can replicate this awesome experience. Made lots of new friends, and actually ran into an old friend who moved to Oahu from AZ. It was the best birthday ever!!!
J. F. from Honolulu, Hawai`i, USA (3/21/2007) "Scenic yet challenging!!!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This event was by far one most emotional in terms of experiencing so many things. Just the scenery itself displays the beauty and tranquility of Hawaii. Yet the course itself challenges a runner to take in all aspects in terms of terrain, going from descents and ascents through several valleys for the first half of the race, followed by a nearly flat second (a few rolling hills). The environment is lush and quiet at the start, heading into a slowly rising Hilo town. Climate is variable, with occasional welcome blessings from the sky (light rain). Residents and drivers alike encourage runners along no matter where they are. Course marshals are adequately available and provide good safety when crossing streets. The organizers planned a well-run event with three distances to choose from, well-positioned aid stations. The race is both challenging and intimate, with both local and international entrants - plan on making some new acquaintances! Will be there again for 2008!
B. S. from East side, Big Island (3/20/2007) "Beautiful, organized, and a supportive community" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race this year was better organized than last year. The weather was also less testy than last year, with a smattering of clouds, sun, and tradewinds - although the heat seemed to take the wind out of a few people's sails. Times (including mine) were slower than previously, although specifics as to why were offered in abundance by the runners. The first part is beautiful with - at times - stunning oceanside views, and at others, reflective openings of the Hilo coast at sunrise (as you start just before the orb appears). I don't particularly care for running downhill and the first 10 miles or so are rolling (but decline overall). That said, the inclines in that section are fun. The hometown crowds showed up, even in their smallish numbers. The vehicle traffic was respectful even when running on the sections of "highway." Overall, a good race with the director putting forth his best to give a really good experience to all runners. I give it 4 to 4+ of 5.
D. M. from Phoenix, AZ (3/19/2007) "Great excuse for a Hawaiian vacation!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I used this race on my trek to 50 states, and we combined it with a 10-day vacation on Maui, The Big Island, and Kauai. So, if you want an excuse to go to Hawaii, this works! The pasta feed on Friday night was a bit confusing (I was afraid I had confused the schedule and the race was on Saturday!), and I recommend you print out the info about the expo times and buses leaving (internet didn't work in the host hotel and there were no signs reminding you of this info). The bus transporation to the start worked well, and the "center" to wait for the race start was nice (lights, bathrooms, chairs, sun screen, etc.). The first 8 miles or so are beautiful, with lush forest with views of the ocean, but if the elevation chart looks like an EKG, there's a reason! There are VERY boring miles around the airport, and the heat and humidity started getting to me. Running by the host hotel twice was nice, so I could meet up with my family easily on the course! My words of advice: Train for the hills at the beginning, be ready for heat and humidity (with a shower or two that helps!), and don't expect too much from the expo or post-race activities. Just enjoy the islands and a well-earned Mai Tai afterwards!
L. O. from Honolulu (3/19/2007) "A gorgeous Hawaiian marathon" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 As many have opined, few US marathons can compare to the lush beauty of the first eight miles of this run. Marathoners and ten-milers wind their way down old rural roads along the coast. The sounds of birds and frogs, and views of the many waterfalls, give life to the rainforests. The middle miles near the airport and the surrounding industrial areas are not worth mentioning; however, mile 18 returns to the coastline with spectacular views of the ponds and beaches. The weather - sometimes rainy and often humid - can present a challenge. An intimate run with about 250 marathoners. I heard much praise for the spirited volunteers.
P. F. from US (11/8/2006) "Very scenic first half, but no food" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Big Island International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The first half is run through some of the most spectacular rain forest you can imagine. After that you run through the city and stuff. Rain was unbelievable but nothing anyone can do about that. No food - not a banana, Gu, or orange for the whole 26.2 miles. What's up with that??!! Not much for spectators but you know that going into the race, especially with 6' rain. One other weird thing was that the pasta feed is Friday for a Sunday race. No problems with organization. Not sure if the lack of food on the course was an oversight or that's just the way it is.
S. F. from usa (10/31/2006) "A Good "Wanna Be" Marathon" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Big Island International Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The course is beautiful and scenic for the first eight miles; then it goes into Hilo and still has great ocean views and runs through a park. Then it's flat as it enters the airport area - kind of dull - and then miles 20 to 26 have you skirting the ocean, at times with some industrial areas. Kept wondering when the gel and PowerBar support would begin. It didn't. Finish area was a mud hill - poor choice. (Yeah, it rained - but still....) With the entry fee as it is, there should be better support.
A. N. from Big Island, HI (4/14/2006) "Beautiful and organized despite the rain!" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 We were 1/2 marathon entrants: Since we are new to the sport, our only other experience with marathons was the 2005 Honolulu Marathon. Although the two events are difficult to compare (size and resources), we thought that the aid stations, helpful volunteers, and overall race coordination/organization were equally good. We originally did not expect the Hilo Marathon to be as well organized (due to the size and resource differences) and we were pleasantly surprised. Considering the weather was out of their hands, everything else was great. We were especially impressed with the volunteers... it would have been very easy to just stay inside and dry, but they really were dedicated and enthusiastic. Only improvement: If I would have been running the whole marathon, there would have been a shuttle back to the hotel, however even Honolulu didn't have that.... They relied on city bus service to service the area. Good job!

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