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May 3, 2024

The Kauai Marathon Runner Comments

Back to The Kauai Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.8

Spectators 4.7

Number of comments: 79 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

E. L. from Honolulu, HI (9/4/2014) "Hot, very hill, but spectacular views" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 The Kauai Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run the Kauai marathon 3x previously, so 2014 is #4. The course is a continuous windy uphill climb that can not be underestimated. Be prepared to train for serious hills and the heat will beat you up. Temperatures were at an all time high this year, but usually it's not. The Kauai marathon course features the lush scenery of south Kauai, with rural communities and scenic landscapes. Very well managed and nice finisher's medal.
Louis LaFratta from Kilauea, HI (9/4/2014) "I was smiling ear to ear even on the hills" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 The Kauai Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organizers, volunteers, police, spectators were incredible..Above and beyond. I had so much fun. Everyone was so supportive, I could not quit smiling even on the hills! Challenging course, keeps me coming back for more. This was my 3rd Kauai Marathon and I will run it again next year. Mahalo
T. S. from HI (9/4/2014) "Tough, but gorgeous" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 For as small as this race was, it was amazingly well supported with volunteers who stuck it out through the slow folks like myself (granted, I only did the half marathon). There were not a lot of spectators, but the ones who were there were great. Organization was wonderful overall. It was like a small town race in a gorgeous setting with big town organization. I think the secret is out about how great this race is and I worry it will fill up fast in the future. Granted, the cost of travel and lodging for most folks off the islands might be prohibitive. I entered a week before the race with no difficulty this year. Packet pick up was easy and there were plenty of hotel rooms (for a price). As I'm from Hawaii, acclimatization was not an issue, but fair warning to the mainlandersthis is a HOT race. As soon as that sun comes up, shade becomes limited. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated!!
J. H. from San Diego, CA (9/4/2014) "Most beautiful race course," (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Hands down the best race I have ever done. The course was beautiful, the race was very organized and the volunteers were awesome. I ran the half this year and plan on running the full marathon next time. I have nothing but positive remarks about this race.
Jamie Snook from NL - Newfoundland and Labrador (9/3/2014) "Jurassic Park" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It was like a walk in Jurassic Park and I think most people survived it. Everyone has commented on the heat, humidity, and the hills. It is certainly a course that needs to be respected and well managed if you are going to finish. I really liked that there was a local flavour to it, lots of aid stations with great volunteers. I also liked that many of the spectators were kids. The local music was much appreciated. After the race I wore my shirt and there was a good awareness about the event on the island. Many people were very impressed that I finished the full marathon and knew how difficult it was. I stayed at the Sheraton and really liked that the finish line was just steps away from an awaiting ice bath in my hotel room. Being from Canada, it was also a nice touch that they recognized us at the start and as we finished. It is a challenging marathon and that challenge is rewarded by it being in such a beautiful setting. I am very happy to have done this event! I invite you all to the Trapline Marathon in Labrador for some cooler, fresh, crisp air :-).
S. C. from Westchester, NY (9/1/2014) "A Slice Of Paradise" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Kauai is magic and I knew 4 years ago Id be back to run my 50th State marathon there. Its hot, its humid and its amazingly hilly BUT totally do-able. You'll have to think a little more about nutrition and hydration and run smart once the sun is up&Keeping your body temp down is no problem with aid stations every mile and the volunteers are happy to give you an 'ice bath' and you'll need it!!! The scenery is spectacular, the volunteers are wonderful, there are medical units at several locations, and lots of folks on Vespas up and down the course checking on the runners& There are many more half marathoners than marathoners so once they veer off, the crowd thins out. The finish line goodies are great and there are outdoor showers and a pretty big ocean where you can cool off!!
Ashley Drake from Hilo, HI (9/1/2014) "Better than the rest" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my third full marathon, fifth if you count two ultramarathons, I ran it yesterday after having run the Kauai Half in 2012. The hills were grueling, challenging, and downright brutal...but the views, the beauty, and the support made it more tolerable. The support rivals that of honolulu marathon (but without the crazy crowd) and the views...they are the best. This was well organized, plenty of aid, and just amazing. Beware, it gets HOT!!! Wish it would start at 5 instead of 6. That is my only complaint. And for all of you considering just running the half...you are missing out on the real beauty of this course! Do the full if you can!
J. S. from California (8/31/2014) "Such a beautiful and well run half marathon!" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 2014 was my first time running this half marathon. Yes, it was humid and hilly, but the beauty completely made up for it! The organizers were awesome and the event was VERY well-run. And the merchandise was super cute! I came in third in my age group and I just love my little plate!
K. W. from Calgary, Canada (9/19/2013) "Gorgeous scenery, family feel, hard running" (about: 2013) 1 previous marathon \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The vibe for the entire event from Expo to race day was very low key and the attitude from organizers, guest speakers and participants all around made it feel like a big family get together. Also being able to spend some quality one on one time with icons Bart Yasso, Dean Karnazes and former/current winners of the race at the expo was a real highlight. As many have said the race itself is very tough going (admittedly this is my first full marathon) with the combination of heat and hills but the scenery and passionate support from volunteers and local spectators makes it all worthwhile. Choosing this to be our first ever marathon was the best decision my wife has ever made, after several hours of intense physical workout we got to spend a week in paradise to recover and the island of Kauai is the perfect place to kick back and relax.
L. D. from Kauai, Hawaii (9/17/2013) "Proud to live on Kauai" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 The Kauai Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can not wait to run the Kauai Marathon again. I found the Kauai Marathon course to be the most beautiful, fun course I have run (I have run marathons on Oahu, Big Island of Hawaii, and Maui). Running through neighborhoods, the local support was fantastic. Whether an official aid station run by a non-profit organization, local families cheering from their carports, or elementary school hula dancers expressing their enthusiasm, the course was full of joy. Yes, there are hills, but you can train on hills. Yes, it was hot, but you can train for heat. What you can't train for is a community event that made me proud to live on Kauai. This is a marathon not to be missed!

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