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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 71 to 79]
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jim miller from orlando, fl
(9/5/2010)
 "It took 69 races/ 50 states to find the best!!" (about: 2010)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I absolutely wanted to be the first to comment on the wonderful experience of this race. Thanks, to Jeff and co. My friends from the 50 State Club - Steve and Paula Boone, always advise to "pick a small one for your 50th and we'll help make sure they make some noise for you." Jeff and his team intuitively understood the special significance of this 50th state for me - from start to finish - and not just for me, but for every participant, they are committed, available, attentive and wanting to make this a great experience for everyone. As runners, we all know it is about the race, but we also know that it is the people that make for the lasting memory and that small organizational details can distract and detract from the overall experience. Here in Kauai, the PEOPLE made the difference and the attention to detail was superb. I knew it was going to be a good race when I was pleasantly surprised with Bib # 50... and then when volunteers Betty and Deb worked to help me with printed driving directions and went so far as to introduce me to 2009 Rock Star Winner JT - and ask for his help. He was here to race and defend his title, yet he was inclined to drive me himself until he remembered that they have it on hard drive - and sure enough, I got my copy and got to drive. The fun run allows time to meet Mr. Marathon Man - Dean K - and for pictures with him and JT, and to run with Jeff and talk about his early vision for the race (and tips about the best secret beach on the island) and just establish comfortable camaraderie with other runners and even the elite athletes. The information session with the celebrity panel is very, very worthwhile - under a tent at the Sheraton, overlooking the ocean, and is all the more complete when at the end, Dean K offers up early congrats and recognition to me for this being my 50th state. MR. Marathon Man is acknowledging me??!! The luau is sumptuous, with plenty of carbs and other entrees; the MC is masterful and the entertainers provide a great sense of the Hawaiian culture. Then, on race day, who else provides such a bountiful breakfast of baked goods, fruit, V8 juice, peanut butter and Starbucks - not to mention plenty of porta-potties? And small things matter: the music was uplifting, the sound system works, the aerobic instructor got the crowd going. And again, the main MC knows the island and the audience and his comments get everyone ready; the morning prayer is touching to all and preps you for the start. The course is tough and there are hills from 11-19 with some perfectly placed downhills. You know it's going to be a good day when you crest the first hill at mile 11 and see a rainbow after a very brief and slight shower ( and here in Kauai we know - no rain, no rainbow). The water- stations are there right when you need then, and there were 3 GU stops, not one like at most races. And the locals and volunteers and hula dancers are all as supportive as can be!! And so on to the finish line with excellent and loud announcers, who were good enough to comment on my 50th state; there are at least 20 massage tables for a free 10 minutes and every table was full and the post-race party is unrivaled. There was plenty of grassy space, a sound stage with a great cover band and our masterful MC, more than enough of the right replenishment drinks and food, and unlimited beer!! And almost instantaneous posting of results. The awards are beautiful ceramic tiles and plates... and again... the volunteers...! Deb was good enough to take pictures and videos of me as I got my award, but all were attentive too, asking if we needed water or aid. Rob saw me walking and offered a ride to my car, and Race Director Jeff was everywhere. The memory of this race, which I WILL return to, was made all the more special by the PEOPLE - on Jeff's team and on the sidelines of the race and I will talk it up to everyone I meet. Thank you for such a special and memorable experience. | |
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R. W. from Honolulu
(3/4/2010)
 "Phenomenal!" (about: 2009)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was able to run the inaugural event for this race in 2009, and everything about it blew me away. The spectators and volunteers on the course were the friendliest, nicest people who literally thank you over and over with huge smiles on their faces for running the race and for coming to their island. I always thought people were pretty friendly on Oahu, but it's NOTHING like Kauai! You are able to run through so many beautiful areas, especially rural locations where everyone is out on their lawns and waving and chatting. I had a giant flower in my hair and probably got 40 compliments on how nice my hair looked, which put an extra spring in my step. :) The limited size makes it even better, when you only have (in the case of the marathon) around 500 other runners on the course once you split off from the half marathoners. Sure, there were lots of hills, but train for them and you'll be fine! Did I mention that the water stations are found almost every mile on this course? This was my favorite part... as well as the lady with licorice who was at mile 18... and I will never forget the Kool 'n' Fit guy with the sprayer who sprayed the fantastic cooling spray anywhere you wanted it (he was at multiple locations and the highlight of the course)! PLEASE have him back next year. Other amazing things: FULL breakfast at the start, with so many amazing things to eat and drink all included in the price. My favorite things were the giant fruit bowls and yogurt and coffee. The group warmup was fun and energizing. The mayor assisted and even ran part of the race. Everyone felt like family. Once you finished it, there was MORE amazing food and BEER! FREE! The pre-race luau was delicious and Dean Karnazes was the host. He was inspirational as always! I'll be back for this race every single year and will keep shouting its praises from the rooftops to all my running buddies. Don't hesitate a second to sign up for this. Even the host hotels do everything they can to make you feel welcome and offer shuttles and special services/discounts to runners. My only complaint: please get better shirt sizing! My "small" seems like it is equivalent to an XL! It was the nicest shirt I've gotten from a race, so it's a pity I'll never be able to wear it. See you in Kauai in '10!! | |
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J. F. from Kaneohe, HI
(2/4/2010)
"Great Race, Great People, Great Fun" (about: 2009)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Concur with prior comments. Must train for hills - up and down - if you want to compete. Definitely look at course map/elevation chart. Plenty of support/help along way. Award ceremony a little long to get underway, but that's manini. Great luau the night prior. Try to stay close so easy to get to start. Too few port-a-johns at the start. Great timing around Labor Day Weekend for fun and vacation. | |
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C. H. from Oahu, Hawaii
(12/22/2009)
"Breathtaking" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is by far the most beautiful Hawaii-based run that I have run. Granted, you should not expect to PR this race, but if you are in for a picturesque run, this is it. The crowd support was awesome. Remember, Kauai is a small island, but we were greeted with smiles throughout the run. Loved it. | |
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t. p. from stockton, ca
(10/7/2009)
"Epic run!!!" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was amazing, with GREAT spectators. The slight drizzle made the run even better. The medal was great, and there was an ok technical shirt. Check-in was a breeze, and the host hotel was a great host. | |
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A. S. from Honolulu, HI
(9/22/2009)
"My favorite Hawaii marathon" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 4th marathon in Hawaii (Honolulu, Kona, and Maui) and this is by far my favorite. The course was tough but beautiful. The volunteers were amazing - this is the first time I've had spectators and volunteers thank me for running! The aid stations were great - even late in the race they were still fully stocked with water, sports drink, gels, and sponges. All of the marathon gear for this race and the amazing support make it well worth the trip to Kauai. | |
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m. k. from dc
(9/11/2009)
"inaugural event deserves inaugural comment" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I never write these (nor read them) and am compelled upon noticing that no one has so far (well, here goes) to offer compliments to Jeff Sacchini, his staff, and especially, each and every volunteer. This race had a killer course and natural beauty, and warm hospitality abounds - from the traditional sights and sounds of taiko drums and hula dances, to the heartwarming water stations (such as the o'mao neighborhood and sponsors like kauai coffee), to the smiles, the shakas, and the spirit of aloha (!!). What more can one want? | |
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K. K. from Ewa Beach, Hawaii
(9/9/2009)
"Welcome Back, Kauai Marathon" (about: 2009)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I just wanted to thank the organization of this marathon for putting together a great event. I sincerely hope that this race will become a standard "must do" race for all who enjoy running in paradise. Only a couple points and suggestions to make this a better race: I think we could have used water stations every mile or so, due to the local weather conditions. Also, a few more portable toilets would have been nice. I did the half-marathon this year because of the upcoming race in Chicago next month; I will register for the full marathon for 2010. Again, thank you for a great race on the Garden Island. | |
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M. K. from Hilo, Hawaii
(9/8/2009)
 "WOW" (about: 2009)
50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Excellent event - hilly, but very challenging, with the whole community coming out to cheer you on. I must admit that, without them, I wouldn't have completed the course the way that I did. I wish that I had been there for the awards ceremony, knowing way after the fact that I got first place for my age group (and being the oldest female runner on the course). Still, I was so happy to have done it! I didn't know that I was supposed to pick up my age group plaque - are you going to send it to me?? Good luck next year!! |
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