Enjoyed the "run"; it's a tough course with the hills in the 1st half. Young hula ladies were cute - mahalo for entertaining us. The Taiki group was peppy - uplifting for tired feet.

I have run it 4 times and my understanding is that there was a new group organizing it this year. The marathon organization suffered a bit because of it; in fact I thought I heard the race director say it was his first trip to Maui. Examples of reduced quality of organization: no pre-registration cards sent with race numbers, fewer sponsors at pre-race exhibit, no radio show at start with pre-race warm-up fun, no organization/system for orderly bag drop-off and pick-up, fewer sponsors at the finish (e.g. no Jamba Juice or Starbucks). Still a very good marathon overall, but dropped a notch or two and I hope it will improve for next year. Still has the best M.C. in the world and an incredible location!

This was my fourth marathon and first time at Maui. The organization was great and the pre-race gathering was awesome. It's a good thing we started before sunrise to get the first couple of miles and body stiffness worked out because after sunrise it started getting warm to warmer to hot going uphill to the tunnel. Once through the tunnel, it was downhill for awhile and a little easier. The water stops had ice-water sponges, which were great with the sun beating down on your back. The ocean view helped break up the long miles before getting to Lahaina and onto Front Street. A few fans were there to cheer us on for next next few miles. Like a horse sensing the stable when the finish line is near, you straighten your back and quicken your pace to finish strong.

What a great feeling. But I caution those who feel this is an easy run looking at the elevation map. The heat will get to you. This is not a PR marathon for most people, but it can be fun. Train in the heat and with the gear you plan to use. I didn't much but should have. You will be glad you entered, ran and finished. Enjoy.

This was my first marathon and my advice to other first-timers running in this race is to train hard and practice at least one long run in 80+-degree heat. The heat/humidity conditions are BRUTAL but that is the only drawback to this race. The organization was great, few spectators but those that were there were super, and all the volunteers deserve kudos for smiling and standing in the sun for 8+ hours. Overall, I felt it was well worth it.

In regard to strategy for the race, I really don't think it matters. I talked to people that ran a consistent slower-than-normal pace throughout and still suffered in the 2nd half, and others who went out fast and definitely suffered in the 2nd half (that was me - 1:55 at half and 4:28 at finish). Bottom line: set multiple time goals, don't run for a personal best and just enjoy that you are on one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

I loved the course (steady uphill for the first 12 miles) and people, and organization was great - until they ran out of ice around mile 20! (I told them to go across the street to the store and buy some! Duh!) Race needs to start at 5 a.m.; 83 degrees by 9 a.m.! Hot and very humid but organizers and supporters are the BEST! (Except for the ice, haha.) I have attended a dozen marathons and this one has the best finish line organization, massages, and food. Pre-, post- and during the race, there was plenty of help. Great for a 2nd marathon and much better than the Honolulu Marathon!

The course was beautiful and scenic, as usual. But the race should start at 5 a.m. and there still wasn't any timing chips for people to track their favorite runner. Other than that the course and organization are simply fantastic. It's a good prep race for the Honolulu Marathon.

I absolutely loved running this race. Beautiful scenery helped me so much. When my energy got a little low, I looked out over the ocean and then up to the volcano and I was instantly re-energized. It was a great 1st marathon because it was relatively flat, except for miles 8 to 12! I cannot wait to run it again next year!

I have run it three times - my only marathon. Beautiful course. Given the size of the marathon, the support is incredible! They announce everyone's name and home town at the finish line (even in Japanese!). The heat is tough. I finally broke 4 hours - the key is to run hard the first 10-12 miles, and then suffer the last half. The tropical sun makes for a tough marathon no matter what - so you have to have some time to give back. The carbo-loading party and awards ceremony are great. And who can beat Maui for a place to be after the marathon to celebrate?!?!

Best marathon ever - everyone should try it!!

A scenic, but dreadfully hot marathon. One way makes for few spectators as well.