Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

May 3, 2024

Maui Oceanfront Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Maui Oceanfront Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.0

Organization 3.9

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 65 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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

Bob Cole from Denver, Colorado (1/30/2014) "Whale watching on the run!" (about: 2014) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall I really enjoyed this race. It was my first full Marathon and in Maui so it was easy to overlook any issues. Months before the race, the race director started sending out nags. They were funny and contained lots of information about the logistics of race bib pick-up, the race, things to do in Maui, and some special deals. I had a couple questions and he responded quickly to my emails. Race-bib pickup was well organized but we did have to wait in line for about 15 minutes. There was no expo. At the start of the race, there was a Hawaiian blessing ceremony that was kinda cool. I didn't understand most of it but thought it was a nice kick-off for the run. Personally I found the course kinda tough and not because of the hills between mile 11-17. Most of the run was on the shoulder of a 2 lane road running against the traffic. I felt the shoulder was at a slight lean and after about 14 miles my right leg began to hurt from this. I tried to find a flatter part of the road to run on but wasn't too successful as I also had to avoid the cars coming at me. The views from the course were incredible! I saw whales jumping and was just overwhelmed with the beauty of Maui. There were plenty of water & nutrition stops along the way and everyone was supportive and friendly. When I approached the finish line, they announced my name and that I was running in my first marathon. That gave a special touch to the finish line. They did get my home state incorrect but it was all good since I was in Maui! After I crossed the finish, they gave me the finishers medal which I proudly displayed. My GPS showed that I was about 1/2 mile short of 26.2 but my first Marathon finish was in the books so I was happy. I was kinda disappointed in the after race area as there wasn't much in the way of recovery freebies (no gatorade, bananas, etc.) I did see a couple people getting massages and was able to get some water but that was about all I saw. Overall I'm glad I ran in this Marathon. If you are looking for a small Marathon in Hawaii, I would recommend this one.
R. R. from Macungie, Pennsylvania (1/27/2014) "Perfect Location, Lousy Race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 It was a beautiful location and has tons of potential. I do have a couple of serious complaints, though. The first is a safety concern. There were far too many people running in the shoulder of a road to be safe. (The entire race was off the shoulder of a road that was not closed to traffic.) Numerous times throughout the race, I saw runners have to dodge out into the street because of congestion and kept thinking that it was an accident waiting to happen. The race needs to close a lane of traffic or restrict the number of runners. I hope they don't wait until someone dies or gets seriously injured to make this a safer event. I ran the marathon and was passing the 5K start right as they started. This was (in my 40 marathons) the worst racing experience I've ever encountered. 23 miles in, after being tired and exhausted, the last thing that a runner wants to experience is fighting through a crowd of people. Finally, I'm fairly sure the course was a half mile too short. I realize that GPS watches are not 100% accurate, but mine came up over a half mile short yesterday (which has never happened to me in any other marathon). And, I ran a time that doesn't match the pace that I felt I was running. I talked to other runners and they had similar results. One positive note - allowing runners to pick up bibs on race morning was a huge help for those of us flying in from far away.
B. H. from Idaho (1/26/2014) "Fast fun course to run" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Came from training in -20 degree weather& running a marathon in 75 degree weather. Makes it a little tough. Thank goodness this marathon has a early start and plenty of aid stations. It is a very flat course with a tunnel you run through. The run along the ocean in the early morning is well worth the trip. This is not a large marathon that in some ways makes it more fun. Good food at the end in Lahaina and a Starbucks at the Cannery not far away. Would do it again
J. S. from Seattle, WA (3/25/2013) "Amazing destination marathon" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 An absolutely beautiful course with great support and organization. You can't beat the scenery this course offers, and the people are fantastic with their support and aid stations.
Tom Marcinonis from Canton, OH (1/24/2013) "Unbelievable! I wish I could run this every week!" (about: 2013) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The course is amazing! I saw whales while running the course. Some of us even saw (not sure exactly) a sea lion or a monk seal. Don't know the difference but I didn't care really it was still amazing! Run this race.
Roni Kauri from China (1/31/2012) "Perfect holiday cruising!" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The marathon as a whole was a perfct 'destination marathon' and we are really happy to fly all the way to experience it. Course is scenic to the max and in not many places you can really spot whales on your way. Well marked with both miles left and done clearly visible all the way. Surely not a course for your PB and to push hard also might be tough due to small hills and heat at later part of the race, added with head wind this year. I went on enjoyable cruising mode so this might affect a bit to my judgement. Start with local rituals, torches and stuff was nice too. (to need head lamps on the run I never quite understood. This after several runs in Asia starting at 3-4 am with real darkness and _bad_ roads in comparision. Anyway, I saw all my steps perfectly well from the beginning) This is a run not to be seen but to see yourself. Consequently you do not need spectators. Four stars from the whales and volunteers. Organisation was impeccable starting from the race director's reports long before the race, registration at Pioneer Inn, pre-race bus transportation (good idea to have the schedules printed on your BIB) up to aid stations with more supply you ever need on the way. FinNish (quess where I come from..) line/area was well done in a park with lot of space to lie on grass and refreshments and first aid next to you. Results were put quickly on the wall in prints and beach was a couple of steps from you. If I have to squeeze something to add or change it would be to include something salty given at finish line in addition to tons of sweet goodies. We will most propably come again. Take kids with us and let then run some shorter distance. We stayed at Outrigger Aina Nalu, walking distance from everything. A nice oasis with pools and relaxed feel, as is the case in Lahaina and the Maui Oceanfront Marathon, too. Keep up the good work!
J. G. from Hawaii (1/29/2012) "Just say 'NO!'" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The best part of the course is run before the sun comes up as the road quickly becomes Hell's Kitchen. It's only scenic to those from the mainland. Over-rated. Aid stations undermanned. Had to get my own drink several times. Awards ceremony was amateurish. I was 1/10 in my age group but the announcer said I won first because I was the only entrant. Excuse me....There were 10. It was embarrassing. Anyway, I will not run it again. 1/2 of the course is the same as the Maui Marathon so why bother and the organization is weak.
D. M. from Thibodaux, Louisiana (1/28/2012) "Challenging and treacherous" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Pretty scary starting out in the dark with a headlight. Got scarier as we had to run along the shoulder of a busy, curvy, hilly 2-lane highway. Several ambulances passed, causing drivers to edge runners out of road shoulder. Big disappointment that I have no finishers picture, even though I finished well ahead of the deadline.
S. H. from Minnesota (1/27/2012) "Great run on Maui" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 3rd year in a row that I have run this marathon and I plan to be back next year. It is not a marathon that you can expect a fast time I suggest running it early on your vacation so you can enjoy the sun later on. Great aid stations.
R. N. from Napa, CA (1/27/2012) "Maui is a gem - but it's a tough 26.2" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 21st marathon and my 13th state. COURSE - The marathon runs from Wailea to Lahaina. For the majority of the race, the scenery is amazing. Truly amazing. Unfortunately, the sunrise was to my back, but the best part of the course is mid-miles where there is elevation gain. For the first hour of my race, it was pretty much dark due to the 5:45am start. However, reality is that you can't start this race early enough. It was in the 70s with a nice breeze at the start, which quickly escalated toward the 80's in the back half. If you run 4-5 hours, get ready to really roast. Now the downside: I didn't expect to struggle with runner traffic in this race (I finished 16th overall), but it was quite congested out there on the final 10k. This is because the shorter distances start in front of the marathoners on the course to end at the same finish point. I was competing for limited space on the bike path on state route 30 with the many joggers/walkers in front of me that were participating in the 5k/10k/15k and 1/2 marathon distances. Normally, not a big deal, but when trying to pass in this narrow space, while contending with oncoming cars who are not necessarily sensitive to the marathon made it somewhat undesirable. I accidentally clipped two walkers who were unaware I was behind them as they strolled along side with fellow walkers. Throw in the grogginess of the heat setting in later in the race, and it became a bit cumbersome to worry about runners/traffic and finish the race strong. However, I'm not sure how this could be improved. It's not practical to shut down this road on the island. Bottom line is that it's the nature of putting on a race in Maui. Maybe you can somehow time the difference distances to start differently, or route then differently? Nevertheless, I finished the race and jumped into the Pacific right after. NICE. Some complained about hills, but I don't think the course is that hilly. No real big ones up or down, with exception to the start which is actually pretty fast downhill. It's really the heat and humidity that are the killers. We stayed at Lahaina Shores, which is 0.2 miles from the finish line. SO HAPPY we stayed so close. Nice hotel - good pricing - but very quiet. Thankfully, there is Spanky's and Betty's next door to go drink. :) ORGANIZATION I didn't meet the race director, but he seemed extremely focused on putting on a superb event. For the most part, he succeeded. His e-mail communication was humorous and constant for several weeks up to the event, and it really helped set expectations for this laid-back tourist race. No expo - no problem for me. The number pick-up was easy at the Pioneer Inn. It is definitely low-frills however. With fees of $120+ depending on when you register, I would expect at least a little baggie to hold my number, shirt and safety pins. Nada. Nothing. Maybe a sponsor could help provide a LITTLE bit of flair at pick-up, please? The shirt is kind of cruddy. Sizing is all messed up. In fact, in retrospect, I think I got a women's handed to me. Not sure, but I don't get many v-neck men's (I rarely fit into an XL Men's). Need to improve this. I did appreciate the announcement of my name and a little 'factoid' about me that I shared on my entry. This was a nice touch. SPECTATORS You don't come to this race to be cheered. You're running on a busy road with cars nearly the whole race. Only spectators are family members of the participants. It's a race of runners who came to enjoy the island after the race. IN SUMMARY... I'm happy that I did it, but it's likely my last race in Hawaii. Come to this race if you want to train through the winter and run in an amazing destination and enjoy a holiday afterward. I felt NO PAIN after this race when I was sipping beers at a beachside bar watching the AFC Championship. Do NOT come to this race to run your P.R. (you won't - or if you do, you're not racing enough) or if you need big-city hype or a lot of people around you. Great place to check Hawaii off your 50 states list. But it is small, so if you want a big race in Hawaii, check out Honolulu.

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

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use