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Honolulu Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Honolulu Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.0 
Organization 3.7 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 202 [displaying comments 191 to 197]
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A Runner from Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
(1/26/2001)
 "Da Bomb! (that's a good thing)" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 As this was my first marathon I loved this race (Dec 2000). It started out at 5:30am with a full moon lighting up the whole start area and then because it was still otherwise dark, the fireworks to start the race were spectacular (although some of my friends who live nearby didn't appreciate it). My main complaint was the only shuttle buses to the start were from the finish line area, about 1 1/2 miles from the 'Official Race Hotel' which was also about 2 miles from the start so the only real choice is to walk to the start, not a great distance but still...a pain at 4:30-5:00am. The first few miles are through downtown Honolulu with plenty of fans and volunteers, and the Christmas lights in Downtown were a great sideshow. The race next goes through the heart of Waikiki (flat) until the road up/around Diamond Head (NOT flat!). The rest of the race is also flat, some with ocean view, and doubles back until the return back down Diamond Head with the finish about one mile after that. Bands and hula dancers set up along the route were also a nice touch. Great fun and motivation to do my next marathon (Maui 'Run with the Whales' 3/2001). | |
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A Runner from Irving, Texas
(12/23/2000)
 "Best destination for first time marathoner !" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 If you want a fun, no pressure marathon in Paradise, don't look further. Average finish time in 2000 was 5h45' with a lot of walkers and first timers. Start and finish located within walking distance from Waikiki hotels. A must do ! Great ambiance with other runners and spectators ! That was my 27th marathon and I place this one next to New York at the top of my list ! 5 am start allows you to be done in time for lunch on the beach ! | |
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Rich CZARNOWSKI , from NEW YORK ( Hunt. Sta. , L. I.)
(11/6/2000)
"A GREAT EXPERIENCE IN PARADISE ! !" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am from New York - ran Honolulu 3 times - '89, '90 & '92. It's a long trip, but a great experience. The 'ALOHA' is definitely there. Loads of Japanese runners (many young ones) inexperienced, but really friendly and eager to try their best. Once the sun is up, you'll be 'cookin', but hang tough, it's worth it!!! You earn that 'FINISHER'S SHIRT' & keep it forever in your collection of special shirts. Great run for the average 4 1/2 hr. marathon runner, so try it!!! YOU WILL LOVE IT !!!...MAHALOHA..... | |
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A Runner from Standish, Maine
(11/4/2000)
 "Loved the Experience!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The one major memory I still carry from Honolulu Marathon was the sound of runners. About mile 2, there is a turn through the main street in Honolulu. Runners are not distracted by crowds or hoopla, tall (6 stories??) buildings create a canyon where it echos the footsteps of silent runners. There are faint noises of breathing, and Christmas carols but it was the sound of foot falls that carried me! | |
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A Runner from Columbus, Georgia
(9/18/2000)
"Run if you can afford it, but others are better" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I've run this one twice. I could not have afforded this if I was not stationed there while in the military. Another plus was that the marathon only charged local military personnel 2 dollars entry fee (What a deal). Early start is necessary to escape the Hawaii sun which quickly raises the temperature after about 3 hours. The route is perfectly suited for sightseers and slower runners as it is composed of sights such as Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the beachfront. Course is generally flat to slight rolling. Two hills will slow the runners down. The first is ascending Diamond Head which comes at about 5 miles. This hill has a pretty good grade and it last less than half a mile, but it seems much longer. The next hill of any note is coming back the other side of Diamond Head heading towards the finish line. Although the slope is really not that bad it seem worse because it begins at about 23 miles, a time when the last thing you need is a hill to go up. The saving grace is that is is all downhill from that point to the finish line. Crowd support is spotty in places but large in others. The vast number of runners will help carry most runners to the finish. Don't expect a PR on this marathon. Other marathons offer better courses (PR's) and organization. But if you can afford the cost of transportation and lodging, go. Run this marathon for fun and for the atmosphere and scenery that only Hawaii could provide. | |
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Eva De Negri from San Rafael, California, USA
(5/15/2000)
"This truly is the 'People's Marathon.'" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a glorious day that was for all of us. The crowds of Hawaiins were smiling and waving and offering refreshments the whole way. Their spirit cheered me and many others to finish our first marathon. The whole city joined in and made us feel like champions. I will never forget how I felt when I crested Diamondhead just two miles from the finish. It was one of the most exhilirating moments in my life. I had tears streaming down my face as I passed down the mountain to the roaring crowds of spectators who made my pain go away those last few miles. | |
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A Runner from New York City, USA
(5/15/2000)
 "the 'tourist' marathon" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The 1999 Honolulu Marathon was my very first marathon, though I had watched both the Chicago and NYC marathons previously. The marathon is alot of fun and an excellent beginner marathon because everyone is very laid back about the entire race. The marathon starts at 5:30 AM to avoid as much of the heat as possible, and it is great to get to watch the sun rise while you're running. Half of the partifcipants are asain, so the distance markers are in Kilometers instead of Miles. The course has some killer hills, and generally times were slow (it also rained for the first 4 hours). The crowds were a little sparse as the course doubles back on itself only once. The best part about the whole marathon, however, is the fact that afterwards, you get to relax on a beach! |
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