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Apr 30, 2024

Kona Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Kona Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.6

Organization 4.0

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 74 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

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D. S. from Columbus Indiana (2/25/2003) "Hawaii but hot!" (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I had visions of running along the coast. Turned out the course was mostly about 1 mile inland and it was pretty hot running on black asphalt surrounded by black volcanic rock. It was my first marathon, so I expect the rest to be easier
David Carothers from Cornell, Wisconsin USA (1/26/2003) "Very Hot" (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race was very demanding due to the heat. The Course was a out and back loop. The portion which crossed the lava feilds was very hot and as the day went on the slower people realy felt the effects of the sun on the black rocks. There were plenty of aid stations on the course and I felt it was well orgainized. Everyone recieved a metal and there name was called out when you crossed the line. This was not my favorate marathon but I would consider running it again.
Rob from Jackson, MS (9/13/2002) "Once is Enough" (about: 2002) COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The finish line area was great. The announcer did a great job. It was simply too hot! I am sure the more elite runners did fine, as they finished before it really got hot. Five plus hour runners got cooked in the pit where you turn around. Hot lava, no breeze, and fairly high humidity made portions of the race unbearable. The portion of the race that extends through Kona was nice. I have read other comments concerning it being commercialized, etc. I enjoyed the area in town and the spectators. Once you get to the lava fields, there were no spectators. And who can blame them. Being from Mississippi, I am no stranger to high heat and humidity. However, I had a little trouble finishing this marathon. I will not be going back for the Kona Marathon. Unless...... maybe I will decide to attempt the Ironman competition.
A Runner from estherville,iowa 51334 usa. (7/22/2002) "well run marathon,tough with heat in lava fields," (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The first 6-7 miles were very nice, Kona is pretty and spectators were along the streets. The 2nd half with a long upgrade is challenging but fun! But those lava fields are hot and not that pretty to look at! But overall, with the well run aid stations and friendly volunteers and spectators plus the great finish area and 9 hr. time limit, it was a great choice for my 49th state plus my DC. Great overall! -Randall W. Hansen, slow multi-colored marathoner and member of 50 and DC Marathon Group USA.(original club)
A Runner from Honolulu Hi (7/11/2002) "Hot, rolling hits, Great Fun, Good Course" (General Comments) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 First 6 miles is through Kona following the ocean. Next 6-7 miles is through the lava fields and returning through same. Great fun, rolling hills. Hot sun, Wear a sun visor!! Then back along ocean for the final six. You will be competing againist the half-marathoners on the way back as the half folks go out 30 minutes later so a bit of dodging on the road. Not much in the way of crowd support, but I've learned running in Hawaii for 3 years you will not see huge crowds. But the charity runners were out in force and extremly vocal and supportive (even for us non-team folks). Thanks. Lots of good stuff for refreshments. Spent the afternoon snorkling next door to the finish line. Can't complain!! Thanks to the race directors.
A Runner from NY (7/6/2002) "Kona's no Waikiki but it has a quaint flavor" (about: 2002) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Organization was efficient, but it's a family and fun orientated race and so things are a bit informal. I stayed 4 miles from the start in town and there's no shuttle to or from the race--so get ready to shell out about $25 for round trip transportation. You get your official time and stats almost right away on a small computer print out. Great fruit and Kona coffee after the race, though I would have liked a bagel or some other bread item. Ocean views are nice, though the landscape suffers overall from a proliferation of tacky commercial shops and time-share condos. Waikiki is also commercialized but somehow does a better job at it and retains a certain beauty and cleanliness that Kona lacks. Actually, I enjoyed more my training runs around the Diamond Head loop in Waikiki than the Kona course itself. But overall I had a good time.
A Runner from Arizona (7/1/2002) "small, personal and scenic, technically imperfect" (General Comments) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran this as a half marathon shortly after finishining my first full marathon in San Diego so I can not help making comparisons. The 1st half of the course is beautiful, plus you have the thrill of being on the famous iron man course. The second half of the course is NOT at all scenic. After the faster runners have finished they actually open the road to two way traffic which is not fun at all. Spirit and enthusiasm pale in comparison to San Diego. There is no chip timing so just look at your watch, everyone is on the honor system. Minutes before the start you will be asked to seed yourself- 'faster runners move to the front please.' I was told at the finish line 'sorry we don't have a shirt for you- we'll mail you one.' I heard many complaints about this at the hotel from other runners. BUT this marathon, while not technically perfect, is much more personal than the mega marathons. It's organized by a few people who simply don't have as many resources as the mega marathons. That may also be the strength of this race. You WILL hear your name announced as you're cheered across the finish. Your family WILL see you cross that line and come right up and hug you. Then you will get wonderful Hawaiian refreshments and fun. Since the race is over when the last participant comes in it opens the event up for people who can't finish under time constraints (like stroke victims walking the course). What an inspiration and wonderfull addition to this experience. The best moment for me was watching the last finisher raise his cane in victory at the finish line with the whole crowd chanting his name.
A Runner from Hawaii (6/27/2001) "A Real Test" (General Comments) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The slower runners going out need to be guided to one side of the road so as not to inpede returning runners. The former women's winner cartwheeling at the finish was pretentious & obnoxious.
A Runner from Midwest (3/26/2001) "Beware of the heat" (about: 2001) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my first marathon, and I loved the scenery. However, I was surprised that it has as many hills as it does. In addition, our run was very warm (74 degrees at start of race) and that caused me to run much slower than I anticipated. The crowd and team spirit was awesome and I would recommend it but leave the thought of setting a personal best at home. Enjoy!
A Runner from Orlando, Florida (1/29/2001) "Not a chip race" (about: 2000) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 It's a great race to run as your first marathon or for a charity but if you're planning on competing you'll be disapointed with your results. This is an out and back race therefore you'll be able to count how many runners are in front of you as they turn at the 13.1 marker. There was no control to disqualify non serious runners who did not run the full distance or those registered for the full who changed their minds during the race and ran the half marathon instead. All of this could be avoided but organizers refuse to use the chip system.

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