My second marathon ever - it was fun but challenging. Weather in 2002 was perfect but a bit windy (headwind on the way out, tailwind on the way back).

There are a lot of first-time marathoners so be prepared to do a lot of dodging around walkers during the first few miles, and definitely the first climb of Diamond Head is over-crowded so be prepared to 'muscle' your way through the crowds if you are properly trained and prepared for hills.

Lots of aid stations with enthustiastic volunteers, the medal and lei are fantastic.

If you don't want to walk Diamond Head (either direction), put in some good hill work beforehand.

I did the Maui Marathon in September (4:35) so I didn't have enough time to train properly and was fighting a cold, but was still happy with my time (4:25).

I'm sneaking my comments in before this year's runner's do. I ran this race in 2001. It was my first marathon and I trained with the AIDS Marathon training program. I've since run three other marathons so I now have some perspective.

Given that 30,000 runners participate at this event, it is a very well organized marathon. The pre-dawn start at 5a is a little tough for folks who aren't morning people like myself, but very necessary given the weather.

They make up for it with a great fireworks display to kick off the start. Flags indicating predicted finish times line the start to help organize the 30,000 starters.

There were an adequate number of aid stations with a lot of good volunteers. Mile markers were easy to see and timing clocks were positioned at some key locations (e.g., 10K, half-marathon, 30K). Traffic control was excellent as it's a closed out-and-back course that allows zero cross car traffic.

Spectator support was okay overall. It's plentiful thru Chinatown, Waikiki and Diamond Head. It's a little sparse thru Hawaii Kai and the crowds don't seem too enthusiastic. The best fans were in the Kahala Beach area at around mile 22 when you really need it.

Beginners beware. I was told beforehand that this is a great marathon for first-timers. Correction, this race attracts a lot of first-timers (probably because it's open for 7 hours). There's a big difference.

A good portion of these first-timers were fund raisers like myself and most of the 9,000 contingent from Japan. Many of them seemed under-trained and bonked as early as 12 miles in.

If you don't normally train in 70'ish degree and 70'ish percent humidity, weather conditions are definitely a factor. Expect to run 2-3 minutes slower per mile. The Diamond Head hill isn't particularly steep, but it is long and climbing it after putting 23 miles under your legs is a little cruel.

Surprisingly, I didn't find the course particularly scenic. The first 8 miles and the last 3 were nice. In between though expect a boring flat and hot highway with a couple of strip malls and some unspectacular tract housing areas.

Afterwards though, the great organization continues. A welcomed misty shower right after the finish line, a nice finisher's photo area, a together t-shirt and medal pickup area, plenty of food and just the buzz of a big outdoor event. Plus, what better place than Hawaii to recover from a 26.2 mile run!

I am 61 years old and this was my first marathon. It was wonderful. I completed it in 10 hours. I couldnt believe all the volunteers, they were great. I met many first time walkers. The finishers' t-shirt and medal was wonderful I was so proud to wear it the day after the race. My family still can't believed I finished. They followed my progress on their computers. For some reason I didnt register as I crossed the starting line, but my walking partner did so that was proof of my time.
I know the day was long for the workers, but it was very disippointing that the finish 'line' was taken down. I was expecting more then a little path at the end. Maybe a sign that said finsh would have been nice. Also there was no food or drink to be found. I finally found water in the first aid tent. One other thing, I wasnt prepared for was returning back to my hotel. I must have missed the instruction in my packet. I had to take two city buses to get back. I could hardly climb the stairs.

I would recommend this race to all. Just be prepared and do your training. I hope to come back to walk again or just visit your lovely city. Carol

I am 61 years old and this was my first marathron. It was wonderful. I completed it in 10 hours. I couldnt believe all the volunteers, they were great. I met many first time walkers. The finishers t-shirt and medal was wonderful I was so proud to wear it the day after the race. My family still can't believe I finished. They followed my progress on their computers.But for some reason I didn't register as I crossed the starting line. But my walking partner did so that was proof of my time.
I know the day was long for the workers but it was very disippointing that the finish 'line' was taken down. I was expecting more then a little path at the end. Maybe a sign that said finsh would have been nice. Also, there was no food or drink to be found. I finally found water in the first aid tent. One other thing I wasnt prepared for was returning back to my hotel. I must have missed the instruction in my packet. I had to take two city buses to get back. I could hardly climb the stairs.

I would recommend this race to all. I hope to come back to walk again or just visit your lovely city. Carol

I have run 10 marathons and even though it was a fairly hilly course, I rate it as the best organised run I have done; and Honolulu is great!!!!

P.s. The 'W' Hotel Waikiki beach is a great hotel!!!!

As a coach with the National Aids Marathon Training Program, not only was I fortunate enough to help over 200 runners reach their goal of finishing this Marathon, I also ran it myself.
This is not a PR Marathon due to the heat, humidity and winds.
The well organized race and the incredible beauty of the course make up for the slower finish times.
My one complaint would be the narrow road up Diamond Head. Most runners slowed down and it was difficult to pass for those of us that were prepared for the hills.
Most of my runners were first time Runners/Marathoners and had a blast !!
We'll be back in 2002 !!!

The only negative on the entire run was the lack of restrooms for the first six miles. Other than that, it was an incredible experience. Running up Diamond Head as the sun rises from the ocean is a sight that you have to experience for yourself.

This was the most spectacular, challenging and enjoyable event I have ever participated in. What a joy to compete in and finish this marathon in 2000!!!!! Will definitely do it again!!!!

During 10 years of living in Hawaii I never competed, but getting older I felt the need for a challenge. I have never had a more fullfilling experience in my life. My first marathon was much more than I ever expected. The exhilaration at the finish line was something I had never before felt. Mahalo to the great support teams with refreshments and cheers to help us all to the finish line. It was 5 stars to me all the way and I am sure the beauty of Hawaii, the fantastic weather and the flatness of the course helped me along. I am already making plans to return for 2002 and checking out other races closer to home.
Aloha nui loa!

My partner and I came from Calgary Canada to celebrate my 40th and her 37th birthday as well as our FIRST marathon. It was the best part of our two week holiday in Hawaii. Thank you so very much. A memory I will keep forever and a life time experience I wish I could try to share with others although I doubt that anyone else could truly feel the same exhileration as we do. Aloha