calendar icon May 6, 2024

Maui Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Maui Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.2 
 
 
Number of comments: 95 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > ]

 

D. H. from Hixson (Chattanooga) Tennessee (4/20/2007)
"A nice, scenic run by the ocean." (about: 2006)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

S. C. from Seattle, WA (10/13/2006)
"Hot, Beautiful, Worth It... and Hot" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


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.
 

K. P. from Texas (10/6/2006)
"Hot, Humid & not for Beginners!" (about: 2005)

2 previous marathons | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


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!
 

N. C. from Honolulu,HI. (10/4/2006)
"A Marathon With Aloha Spirit" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 3 Maui Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


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.
 

S. W. from Haiku, Maui (9/19/2006)
"Awesome 1st Marathon!!" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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!
 

J. T. from NJ, USA (9/19/2006)
"Still Awesome!" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 3 Maui Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


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?!?!
 

Peter Ferreira from Brazil (5/19/2006)
"Great!!" (about: 2006)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Best marathon ever - everyone should try it!!
 

W. T. from Dallas, TX (12/29/2005)
"Too Hot!" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


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

A. G. from Washington CH, Ohio (11/8/2005)
"Worth the trip." (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


You've got to expect heat in Hawaii so I was ready for it, 76 degrees at the start. However, I wasn't ready for the beauty of the course and the orginization that accompanied it. The ocean waves were a constant reminder and so soothing. The course was 85% on the coast and breathtakingly beautiful. The volunteers were very helpful and very numerous. I've never used icy sponges before, but here they were plentiful and essential.
 

Velma Pacrem from Indio, California (10/30/2005)
"I was hot but happy to be in Maui" (about: 2005)

4-5 previous marathons | 1 Maui Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I simply had to run this marathon for my own personal experience. My peanut butter and jelly sandwitch tasted 'oh sooo good' at mile 10. The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers where great! This was my 5th marathon this year besides triathlons, 1/2 marathons, 10K's, 8K's and 5K's. I hope to see some of you at the Las Vegas Marathon in December. I was very happy to have helped a few people who were in pain/discomfort with some of Dr. Hoy's rub. When I run in marathons I make sure I take extra Dr. Hoy's with me just for this reason; we all want to finish no matter what shape were in at the finish. Of course, after we get to the finish line, the pain disappears, right? I'll be back Maui....

See you soon,
Velma
 

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