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Marathon Details - Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs

North America Marathons > USA > HI > Volcano > Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs

Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs

Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs & 10 Mile Run, 5 Mile Run, 5 Mile Walk

Volcano, HI USA

July 26, 2008

http://www.volcanoartcenter.org

News Press Releases

Marathon Results

By Year:

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

All courses are in wilderness areas in the National Park. They a consist of hardened lava, sand and wooded trails. The National Park is at 4,000 feet. For the marathon course there is a 1,000 foot elevation gain.

Contact Information

Name:	Wayne 'Big Dog' Joseph
Address:	Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs P. O. Box 106 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Phone Number:	808-969-7400
Fax Number:	808-967-8512
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (18)

Course 4.7

Organization 3.8

Spectators 2.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

sutah robins from jersey shore (1/25/2011) "I miss you, KVWM" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I ran this marathon in 2003. I didn't have too many kind words about the lack of carbs at the finish. In hindsight, after running other marathons, I realize that I miss the course more than the carbs. Please come back! My favorite marathon ever. I have run 25 marathons. - Sutah, Marathon Maniac #53.
S. H. from Austin, TX (4/1/2010) "Sad that it is gone..." (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I am sorry that this marathon doesn't exist anymore. It was one of the best. I have run over 170 marathons: 6 continents, all 50 states and in 10 countries. Not one of them could compare to the Kilauea Volcano Marathon. It was truly a world-class race and I am happy to have run it.
M. P. from Rocky River, Ohio (9/9/2008) "Adapt and Overcome" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Kudos to Race Director Wayne and his staff for conducting a world-class event. The race staff faced many challenges this year due to the active volcanic eruption, which forced a change in the race route and closure of a large portion of Volcano's National Park. The course was challenging to say the least. Thirteen miles of rugged trails and paved roads downhill to the turn around only to have to run the return uphill. Plenty of water stops and very few spectators until the you arrive at the finish area. The volcanic surroundings are what makes this race a must-do. The race photograph, complete with the erupting volcanic cloud in the background, is one for the ages. I wore my finisher's shirt proudly during the balance of my week in Hawaii. If you like small, unique races with attention to detail and focus on the participants (Wayne special-ordered an XXL shirt for me and kept it in his car so it would not be misplaced), then bypass Honolulu and head to the Big Island. I can't wait to come back.
Craig Tufts from Middleburg, VA (8/30/2007) "Most beautiful marathon I've run" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 What a great event! We especially liked: a) The carbo-load meal with entertainment and great food the night before. b) Being able to support the Volcano Arts Center and local artisans with the marathon and other races c) The course!! it was very well-marked and staffed with great volunteers - and especially the section out through the K'au desert, which was incredibly beautiful in a stark, "early Earth" way. Only twice along the route was the course difficult to follow in the K'au Desert where flags were sometimes not visible over lava hills - and more importantly, soon after the end of the paved campground road on the emergency road, there was a definite split in the course and it was unclear whether it was appropriate to stay straight/left as opposed to going right. I took the right direction but it would have been just as "correct" to go to the right. d) Finish line and awards ceremony - great set-up. It did seem that award ceremony could have been earlier, but I understand that race director wanted to be inclusive. I'd trained for this race by running David Horton's Promise Land 50K in late April and then running the Appalachian Trail over some of its rockiest sections south of Harper's Ferry, WV. That seemed to work well. Weather for this race was about perfect given its location. Not too warm; overcast much of race. No rain.
A. P. from Honolulu, HI (7/31/2006) "Multiple Paradises" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runss COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is an incredible run! Difficult, but scenic, with several ecosystems to marvel through. Challenging footing on the lava and sand, sheer determination on the Escape Road, sheer pleasure on the Crater Rim Trail. Mostly solitude to keep you company, with tourists towards the end to high-five you. The prizes are worth trying to place, the artwork is incredible. This year we had almost perfect weather for it, especially for those of us slow enough to get cooled off by the rain. T-shirts were a stunning red and black, and medals were wonderful. If you do this, carry your own fluids and snacks. Plenty of aid stations, but you'll need the extra in between. Volunteers are the best around - mahalo! Definitely one of my favorite races!
j. m. from Hawaii (11/23/2005) "So much fun, I came back for seconds" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runss COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 2005 was my second Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Marathon. Again it was a fun but very difficult marathon. I was also very pleased that they had FINISHER MEDALS this year. After finishing this marathon you certainly deserve one.
B. G. from Los Angeles, CA (8/6/2005) "Keep your eye on the trail " (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Worth taking the run and vacation trip. Luckily, there was a medal this year. Well organized event. Plan on staying at nearby Volcano Village. Traffic is a bit tricky. Speed limit varies from 35-55 in a matter of 2-3 blocks. Hwy 19 has lots of scenic stops. Watch your speed as there are lots of cops on the road. Trail starts just past M1. Volcano steam greets the runners. Bring your camera but be very careful. You might drop it on several earth separations similar to earthquake faults on the lava fields. I tripped but luckily landed w/o a bruise. Some lavas even cracked like charcoals. Index card-size flags were hard to see when facing the sun. Lots of runners wandering off trail including myself. For safety, it's best to follow other runners on a single file. If the runner ahead is slow, you can create your own trail, but it's risky. Imagine a road construction with a pile of asphalt pavement debris. There are some soft sand trails. If you're going uphill, that adds to your pain. Temp was probably in the low 90's with some headwind. At M14, you enter a rough paved road. Volunteers hand out water sponges and melted PowerBars. Bring your own water. Aid stations are about 3 miles apart. You don't have the luxury of water stations every mile, split times and huge crowd. M20 continue to go uphill as you enter the rainforest. At M23, a small crowd greets the runners as you enter the volcano crater rim. The trail is narrow and steep. Take time to take a picture of this live volcano. Helicopter tours charge $360/person just to view this volcanic activity. You get it for a mere registration fee. The road to the finish is uphill. Your race result is handed to you immediately. There were only 140 marathon runners this year. Most entrants were in the 10-mile run and the 5k run/walk. It's a tough course w/ lots of ultra runners. If you train on rough single trails, you'll do fine.
James Godfrey from Piedmont, CA (8/3/2005) "Most difficult but favorite marathon so far." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Ran the 2005 edition. Some things from previous comments have changed. Volunteers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable ? from the 5AM gathering to the finish at the awards stand. The water stops are few, so carry your preferred liquid. But each stop has good first aid (lots of bloody runners due to the rocky trails), water, PowerAde, and PowerBars. The guys in the desert hike in and spend the night to take care of runners. Their dedication is inspiring. The trail is haphazardly marked in the desert section (1st 13 miles), but it?s easy to get off track because you have to look at your feet to keep from tripping. Suddenly you look up and find you?re a little off track. At some points, I saw runners on their own paths a hundred yards off to the sides. The terrain is very tricky. Train your long runs on the nastiest trails you can find. You need marathon experience for this marathon. Mileage markers are inconsistent; you must be able to pace on instinct. The last half is uphill, with almost no leveling. In 2005 there were no clouds and temps were in the 90s. Be prepared for anything. The start was cold, misty, and windy. One luxury: we waited for the 6AM start in a lounge with couches, a stretching room, a fireplace, and believe it or not, a real, tiled bathroom with lots of space! (No luxuries on the course: no porta-potties, vegetation, or privacy in the desert.) This is a small, folksy marathon where they still announce the name of every finisher. Most runners stick around to cheer the other finishers. The snacks afterwards were delicious! Papaya, guava, bananas, oranges, cakes, cookies, etc. No crowds or circus--only true runners. Nice t-shirt. Yes, there is a medal.
j. m. from Honolulu, HI (8/23/2004) "Brutal Fun, Not For Everyone" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon in 2004. The course is very tough, expect to finish 45-60 minutes slower than your average road marathon. Entry is limited to about 225 marathoners. Start at 4000 feet elevation, run down to 3000 feet, then back up to 4000 feet on this single loop course. The first mile is on the road. Then you run downhill into the lava fields. Miles 2-13 are run on broken black lava fields (imagine a giant asphalt parking lot hit by a 8.0 magnitude earth quake and you have some idea). This part of the course is marked by little flags every 100 meters or so; there is really no trail, just broken lava and sand. It is difficult to pass people on this section of the course. Guaranteed to make your feet hurt. Aid stations are about every 2.5 - 3 miles. Strongly suggest that you carry your own water and gels. I wore a CamelBack. Miles 13-19 are on blacktop road. Miles 19-23 can destroy your spirit and are a test of your determination. You go endlessly uphill on a dirt path/road called the Escape Road. You gain about 800 feet in elevation over this 4 miles. Miles 23-26 are a dirt path along the caldera. The last quater mile is back on the road. This is a marathon you run to test yourself, or to be able to say you did it, or to be able to tell stories about how brutal it was. A favorite of the Hawaii Ultra Running Team (HURT). There is NO FINISHER MEDAL. The T-shirt could use improvement. The volunteers are excellent but you won't see any other fans unless you bring them. The temperature was good for running, definitely the COOLEST marathon you can find in Hawaii.
JOHN COTHAM from Schertz, Texas (6/29/2004) "My favorite marathon" (General Comments) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runss COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is sort of an ultra runner's dream. It has difficult terrain and absolutely beautiful scenery. Out on the course there are few or no spectators, which requires discipline on the part of the participants. It is in a desolate place; therefore, do not expect a lot of conveniences like you have for a marathon in the middle of a city or metro area. The volunteers putting on the race do a great job and provide unique awards for age group finishers. The finisher shirts are a new design every year.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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sutah robins from jersey shore (1/25/2011) "I miss you, KVWM" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I ran this marathon in 2003. I didn't have too many kind words about the lack of carbs at the finish. In hindsight, after running other marathons, I realize that I miss the course more than the carbs. Please come back! My favorite marathon ever. I have run 25 marathons. - Sutah, Marathon Maniac #53.
S. H. from Austin, TX (4/1/2010) "Sad that it is gone..." (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I am sorry that this marathon doesn't exist anymore. It was one of the best. I have run over 170 marathons: 6 continents, all 50 states and in 10 countries. Not one of them could compare to the Kilauea Volcano Marathon. It was truly a world-class race and I am happy to have run it.
M. P. from Rocky River, Ohio (9/9/2008) "Adapt and Overcome" (about: 2008) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Kudos to Race Director Wayne and his staff for conducting a world-class event. The race staff faced many challenges this year due to the active volcanic eruption, which forced a change in the race route and closure of a large portion of Volcano's National Park. The course was challenging to say the least. Thirteen miles of rugged trails and paved roads downhill to the turn around only to have to run the return uphill. Plenty of water stops and very few spectators until the you arrive at the finish area. The volcanic surroundings are what makes this race a must-do. The race photograph, complete with the erupting volcanic cloud in the background, is one for the ages. I wore my finisher's shirt proudly during the balance of my week in Hawaii. If you like small, unique races with attention to detail and focus on the participants (Wayne special-ordered an XXL shirt for me and kept it in his car so it would not be misplaced), then bypass Honolulu and head to the Big Island. I can't wait to come back.
Craig Tufts from Middleburg, VA (8/30/2007) "Most beautiful marathon I've run" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 What a great event! We especially liked: a) The carbo-load meal with entertainment and great food the night before. b) Being able to support the Volcano Arts Center and local artisans with the marathon and other races c) The course!! it was very well-marked and staffed with great volunteers - and especially the section out through the K'au desert, which was incredibly beautiful in a stark, "early Earth" way. Only twice along the route was the course difficult to follow in the K'au Desert where flags were sometimes not visible over lava hills - and more importantly, soon after the end of the paved campground road on the emergency road, there was a definite split in the course and it was unclear whether it was appropriate to stay straight/left as opposed to going right. I took the right direction but it would have been just as "correct" to go to the right. d) Finish line and awards ceremony - great set-up. It did seem that award ceremony could have been earlier, but I understand that race director wanted to be inclusive. I'd trained for this race by running David Horton's Promise Land 50K in late April and then running the Appalachian Trail over some of its rockiest sections south of Harper's Ferry, WV. That seemed to work well. Weather for this race was about perfect given its location. Not too warm; overcast much of race. No rain.
A. P. from Honolulu, HI (7/31/2006) "Multiple Paradises" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runss COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is an incredible run! Difficult, but scenic, with several ecosystems to marvel through. Challenging footing on the lava and sand, sheer determination on the Escape Road, sheer pleasure on the Crater Rim Trail. Mostly solitude to keep you company, with tourists towards the end to high-five you. The prizes are worth trying to place, the artwork is incredible. This year we had almost perfect weather for it, especially for those of us slow enough to get cooled off by the rain. T-shirts were a stunning red and black, and medals were wonderful. If you do this, carry your own fluids and snacks. Plenty of aid stations, but you'll need the extra in between. Volunteers are the best around - mahalo! Definitely one of my favorite races!
j. m. from Hawaii (11/23/2005) "So much fun, I came back for seconds" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runss COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 2005 was my second Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Marathon. Again it was a fun but very difficult marathon. I was also very pleased that they had FINISHER MEDALS this year. After finishing this marathon you certainly deserve one.
B. G. from Los Angeles, CA (8/6/2005) "Keep your eye on the trail " (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Worth taking the run and vacation trip. Luckily, there was a medal this year. Well organized event. Plan on staying at nearby Volcano Village. Traffic is a bit tricky. Speed limit varies from 35-55 in a matter of 2-3 blocks. Hwy 19 has lots of scenic stops. Watch your speed as there are lots of cops on the road. Trail starts just past M1. Volcano steam greets the runners. Bring your camera but be very careful. You might drop it on several earth separations similar to earthquake faults on the lava fields. I tripped but luckily landed w/o a bruise. Some lavas even cracked like charcoals. Index card-size flags were hard to see when facing the sun. Lots of runners wandering off trail including myself. For safety, it's best to follow other runners on a single file. If the runner ahead is slow, you can create your own trail, but it's risky. Imagine a road construction with a pile of asphalt pavement debris. There are some soft sand trails. If you're going uphill, that adds to your pain. Temp was probably in the low 90's with some headwind. At M14, you enter a rough paved road. Volunteers hand out water sponges and melted PowerBars. Bring your own water. Aid stations are about 3 miles apart. You don't have the luxury of water stations every mile, split times and huge crowd. M20 continue to go uphill as you enter the rainforest. At M23, a small crowd greets the runners as you enter the volcano crater rim. The trail is narrow and steep. Take time to take a picture of this live volcano. Helicopter tours charge $360/person just to view this volcanic activity. You get it for a mere registration fee. The road to the finish is uphill. Your race result is handed to you immediately. There were only 140 marathon runners this year. Most entrants were in the 10-mile run and the 5k run/walk. It's a tough course w/ lots of ultra runners. If you train on rough single trails, you'll do fine.
James Godfrey from Piedmont, CA (8/3/2005) "Most difficult but favorite marathon so far." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Ran the 2005 edition. Some things from previous comments have changed. Volunteers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable ? from the 5AM gathering to the finish at the awards stand. The water stops are few, so carry your preferred liquid. But each stop has good first aid (lots of bloody runners due to the rocky trails), water, PowerAde, and PowerBars. The guys in the desert hike in and spend the night to take care of runners. Their dedication is inspiring. The trail is haphazardly marked in the desert section (1st 13 miles), but it?s easy to get off track because you have to look at your feet to keep from tripping. Suddenly you look up and find you?re a little off track. At some points, I saw runners on their own paths a hundred yards off to the sides. The terrain is very tricky. Train your long runs on the nastiest trails you can find. You need marathon experience for this marathon. Mileage markers are inconsistent; you must be able to pace on instinct. The last half is uphill, with almost no leveling. In 2005 there were no clouds and temps were in the 90s. Be prepared for anything. The start was cold, misty, and windy. One luxury: we waited for the 6AM start in a lounge with couches, a stretching room, a fireplace, and believe it or not, a real, tiled bathroom with lots of space! (No luxuries on the course: no porta-potties, vegetation, or privacy in the desert.) This is a small, folksy marathon where they still announce the name of every finisher. Most runners stick around to cheer the other finishers. The snacks afterwards were delicious! Papaya, guava, bananas, oranges, cakes, cookies, etc. No crowds or circus--only true runners. Nice t-shirt. Yes, there is a medal.
j. m. from Honolulu, HI (8/23/2004) "Brutal Fun, Not For Everyone" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon in 2004. The course is very tough, expect to finish 45-60 minutes slower than your average road marathon. Entry is limited to about 225 marathoners. Start at 4000 feet elevation, run down to 3000 feet, then back up to 4000 feet on this single loop course. The first mile is on the road. Then you run downhill into the lava fields. Miles 2-13 are run on broken black lava fields (imagine a giant asphalt parking lot hit by a 8.0 magnitude earth quake and you have some idea). This part of the course is marked by little flags every 100 meters or so; there is really no trail, just broken lava and sand. It is difficult to pass people on this section of the course. Guaranteed to make your feet hurt. Aid stations are about every 2.5 - 3 miles. Strongly suggest that you carry your own water and gels. I wore a CamelBack. Miles 13-19 are on blacktop road. Miles 19-23 can destroy your spirit and are a test of your determination. You go endlessly uphill on a dirt path/road called the Escape Road. You gain about 800 feet in elevation over this 4 miles. Miles 23-26 are a dirt path along the caldera. The last quater mile is back on the road. This is a marathon you run to test yourself, or to be able to say you did it, or to be able to tell stories about how brutal it was. A favorite of the Hawaii Ultra Running Team (HURT). There is NO FINISHER MEDAL. The T-shirt could use improvement. The volunteers are excellent but you won't see any other fans unless you bring them. The temperature was good for running, definitely the COOLEST marathon you can find in Hawaii.
JOHN COTHAM from Schertz, Texas (6/29/2004) "My favorite marathon" (General Comments) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runss COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is sort of an ultra runner's dream. It has difficult terrain and absolutely beautiful scenery. Out on the course there are few or no spectators, which requires discipline on the part of the participants. It is in a desolate place; therefore, do not expect a lot of conveniences like you have for a marathon in the middle of a city or metro area. The volunteers putting on the race do a great job and provide unique awards for age group finishers. The finisher shirts are a new design every year.

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Marathon Details - Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Runs