I have lived on Guam for two years, and decided to run the marathon with friends who wanted to improve their marathon time from the previous year. Since the marathon starts at 0430, it's dark for the first 2 hours. The majority of the spectators will be on an out-and-back section. Water hand-outs are every 1.5 miles, and that was okay. I definitely was a bit dehydrated by the end of the run. If you need more water, you can have a friend ride next to you, as you won't be DQ. Don't expect any gels to be handed out on the course. The GRC is a great group, and it's always nice to do a run in different places. I recommend giving this one a go, just for the experience.

I ran the Guam Marathon twice. The first time in 1973 finishing second but ending in Guam Memorial Hospital due to dehydration, and then winning it in 1980 with a time of 2:48:24. The start was nice in the cool of the night, but once we got out on the road, it was lonely and dark. The second marathon I ran alone the whole way, which was hard. The hills midway are hard. The last six miles are crucial, and show how much you have left. The first one I ran had very little help and fewer water stations. In 1980, the race was well organized and it helped me run well.

Magnificent organizers and great volunteers. You kept us (runners) happy during the run.

As if waking up at 2 AM to make it to a 4 AM start along with a desolite pitch black first 10 miles wasn't enough, add the H-cubed of Heat, Humidity, and Hills to this one-of-kind marathon, and you have the recipe for success to anyone looking for a challange that will test their mind, body and spirit. Don't come looking for a record, but bring your heart and intestinal fortitude, and you'll come out a better person.

I've run this course twice. If you can complete this course, you can do just about anything and everything! You are invincible!