The course and scenery were great. This was my 2nd time doing the Maui Marathon... and seems like it gets worse for organization and spectators. No ice sponges - a huge error by the new director - and having no mat at the start is another huge error by him. The expo was the worst I've ever seen. I did not see any medical personnel on the course at all except at one water stop. It was a little scary to think that if something did happen, nobody would be there to help. Very disappointing marathon!

Definitely not a PR kind of race, due to the humidity, but who cares when it's so pretty. I thought the water stations were very organized and friendly. They had ice towards the end, perfect for filling up a bandanna and tying around the neck. There wasn't much cheering or "entertainment" on the 1/2 marathon course, with the exception of a local and his drum, and a pickup playing Beach Boys music. The mile markers were terrible and confusing with half and full markers being different. The expo was fair. They had tech. fiber shirts but really only men's sizes in dull gray. The 5K shirt was much nicer. Would I run the half again? You betcha!

Just a few observations. Was at the expo on the first day, and the only women's shirts left were S and XL. The XL was about equivalent to a junior size 7. Suggestion: order a few M's, and the rest L and XL. You can always wear a larger shirt but it is no fun squeezing into a shirt that's too small. Otherwise the expo was nice - much more merchandise than had been available on the website. Marathon course: did not see mile markers 1 and 2, the others were painted on the edge of the road, but not all had upright signs. No clocks along the course at any point. Water stops were manned by very enthusiastic groups (I am calling them spectators, too - and giving them a 5!!), but I did not see any medical or official assistance other than the traffic patrol during the first 6 miles. Saw some runners who could have used some attention over the last few miles. Also, there was no chip mat at the start - therefore the chip time amounted to the gun time. It would be nice if someone wanted to follow a runner on-line, but I wonder how much it would've cost to put a mat at the start line?

The course was beautiful - had trained all summer in extreme heat but was not prepared for the tropical sun. Glad it was slightly overcast with a bit of a wind, or it would've been horrendous. Not much shade on this course, either!! I give a rating 5 stars for the combination of scenery and tough hills. Also 5 stars for the photo crew - they took beautiful shots all along the route.

First time competing in the half marathon in Maui and the course was beautiful. Water stations and porta-potties were plentiful, but the only medical personnel were at the finish line. This seems a little dangerous for a race run in high temperatures with humidity. Expo was almost non-existent, but nice wicking race shirts.

So, there were so many great things about the course. The organization, dry tech t-shirt design, the availability of porta-potties, the scenery, the weather in 2007, the fresh fruit and the free massages after were all amazing. The great people watching among the runners was excellent; the chicken, bowling pins and Viking guys were all great! On the downside, a few comments would definitely include the Luau - overpriced and barely edible. The expo overall lacked oomph. The water stations should be better organized (water in one color cup - or first upon approach, Gatorade in another color cup and second set of tables) as well as a GU stop along the run. The course isn't supported much from locals; either in cheering squads or in driver respect for the runners on the road (eek!). I was disappointed there were no ice sponges after hearing much about them but the Popsicles late in the course were a nice treat! Great views, 1,200 participants was a great size, and the course gives a nice reason to visit Hawaii - all of which made for a great trip!

Crossing 6,000 miles to get there... HHH: Hills, headwind, heat!! My fourth marathon. My slowest but most gratifying by far. Just go there and do it for the beauty of this course. Not a circus like NY or Chicago - just a great local race with tons of aloha!! The medals were not that nice, but so what? Any of the pictures taken of you on this course will overshadow it anyway.

Cannot believe that there were no ice sponges this year! I love them and I know others swear by them! Comments below about new organization are accurate. Also, there were no local cheerleaders at the end, and the medal this year was cheap. Usually they have a two-sided medal - though this year it was only one-sided. Need to get this race back on track - mahalo!

Overall the race was a good experience. The course was nice and easy to follow and not too tough. Port-a-potties were plentiful at the start, which was great. Mile markers were somewhat erratic, particularly on the first half. My only real complaint was about the luau - $40 for salad and boiled pasta, without ANY protein at all, is insane. The "entertainment" was ridiculous and not worthy of being called a luau. The announcers were great and full of energy.

Start time was good. Running in the dark was a bit challenging at times as the roads for the first 2 miles weren't nice and flat like the highway was. There is about a 10+-minute walk from the mall area to the actual start line. Please consider this for any last minute "preparation" you may have to do. The run up to the tunnel was quite difficult. Running along the ocean was very beautiful. Wish the headwind would have been a side wind. Finish area was good. Enjoyed the food.

The sky over the 2007 Maui Marathon was overcast the whole time. It never got hot, but it was humid. Starting line ceremony was short and sweet. Once running, aid station volunteers were outstandingly cheerful! They were great motivators. Sponges and watered-down Coke were missing this year, but one aid station was kind enough to pass out purple gloves filled with ice and water. Those ice packs felt soooo good! At the finish line, you get your medal, and that's it! Finish line organization was AWESOME. Food and drink fewer than 20 feet from the finish line! Massage booths next to that. What more do you need? Oh, and since the run ends at Whaler's Village shopping mall... you have restaurants and clothing stores galore to reward yourself. I hit the convenience store for some beers and that topped off my Sunday!

Oh... this year was the marathon's first time using the ChampionChips. Yay! At the expo, you got your finisher's shirt when you picked up your chip. It was a dry-tech type shirt, which is a nice improvement over the cotton tees.

Born and raised here on Maui, I don't know why I didn't bother running this marathon before. Compared to the Honolulu Marathon? Maui's run is nice when you want to enjoy a smoothly-run event that feels intimate and personal. Honolulu is insane, punishing, hilarious, zany, you name it... it's like a big festival - suitable for outgoing, social runners.

Ps. For anyone who ran Maui this year... I was the guy running in flip-flops. Sorry if the slapping noise was annoying; I'll try another brand next year!