The course is a beautiful challenge in paradise. The hills are relentless and the sun is hot. The atmosphere created by the cheering, singing, and hula-ing locals made the abuse bearable.

My disappointment in the organization can not be understated. The packets were meager for the fee. The shirt is decent, though I'd prefer one that didn't turn me into a walking billboard. But the crushing blow came at the finish line. I finished in just over five hours and there were two hotel pans of fruit sitting out and maybe a few other snacks, but EVERYONE except the massage booth apparently had hot dates to get to. All of this is fantastic if you are closing the course at 5 or I could even see 6 hours. But the course was SUPPOSEDLY OPEN FOR 8 HOURS. By the time the six hour mark hit, there was NO FOOD LEFT. Guess what? Slow runners and walkers still travel 26.2.

THIS IS NOT A WALKER-FRIENDLY MARATHON EVEN THOUGH THE COURSE STAYS OPEN.

I completed my 50 states marathon quest in Kaua'i and I had the time of my life from the start all the way to the finish. Kudos to Jeff and Bob for securing Bib #50 for me. Great set-up at the start line to get the runners pumped up.

We headed off into the dark for 26.2 miles. The hills are tough, true. The tree tunnel is not to be missed, also true. Views of the ocean bring the runners out of the mountains back to the finish line. Besides myself, my wife (her 33rd) and 16 year old daughter (her first) finished this race.

I'm glad I picked this race to finish 50 states. I celebrated after the race with another week of Aloha around the island with my family.

It is doubtful I will ever run a more beautiful marathon.  The 'garden isle' surrounded the course with thick, green vegetation that swayed and waved to the gentle trade wind.  That sentence could only be the start of a book I could write about this glorious marathon.  But you really have to experience it for yourself.  Kauai marathon is one of the hilliest, and even though I live in flat Florida I trained in areas where there are some hills.  I also trained in the Florida heat and humidity, which was necessary to run well in Kauai.  The marathon organization, the course support, the fans all created aloha spirit that  turned an extremely difficult course into one I breezed through and enjoyed more than any.

Starting with the inaugural year in 2009 until now, 4 years in a row.. I can honestly say that this marathon, it creators, directors, supporters and runners are what the Aloha spirit is ALL About!
The course doesn't change, the elements do. Having a great support network of voulnteers from water stations to hula dances and fans on the course make this race Aloha awesome! For me it isn't just the event, it't the friendships I've made along the way! I love the south shore and the people from the island, the race and others from across the mainland! Pure Awesomeness!

Jeff and Bob are such wonderful people and are greatly appreciated. I will keep my word and contiune to run this marathon and give it my best every time, until I no longer am able. Mahalo!

This was my second year running in the Kauai Marathon and both years the days I spent on the island were some of the best days of my life. The organizers of the Kauai marathon live and breath the 'aloha spirit.' I've learned so many life lessons from this event due to the positive people that 'run' the event. This is a race that I'll have on my calendar every year to try and run faster. Sure, the heat, humidity, hills, headwind, and pouring rain can slow down your time...but it doesn't stop you from putting down the best effort you can. Running down the final half-mile with waves crashing 100ft from you and people cheering is unlike any other race finish in the country.

I've run this all 4 years and I'll be back next year as well!

For those used to big city runs this can seem pretty sparse on spectators, but the locals are out cheering and sharing aloha...lots of smiles, waves and good vibes along the course. They have more aid stations than usual (every mile later in the course) which is very welcome as it gets hot. Very enthusiastic volunteers, and there are lots of them. Love the hula troops and the Taiko.

From a trail runner who usually can't be dragged onto a road this is a petty course. The 4 H's (hills, heat, humidity, headwinds) can make this course tougher than it seems at first look. The run thru the tree tunnel can't be missed, and finishing along the ocean is outstanding.

in short...
The bad: if you are looking for a big expo look elsewhere. Spectators can be sparse. Neither of these bother me but I felt they should be mentioned.

The good: Pretty, varied, challenging course...tree tunnel, mountain views, ocean finish. Massage right along the beach afterward. Very well organized. Lots of aid stations. Torchlight start and who could forget the finish line.

Kauai marathon is the reason I started running 2 1/2 years ago and have never looked back since! It was my first and I have completed it 3 times since, as well as several other races on the mainland. I keep going back because I love the location, people, and organization of this race. It sets the bar for all others!

Wow, what can one say about this race? Plenty. Best small event I have ever had the pleasure to be part of. A very, very small expo, but I came to run not shop, so not an issue. The organization was first rate and made every runner feel as if it was all being done for them alone. The course, while very, VERY hilly, was absolutely spectacular! Not designed for PR's, but with this scenery, who cares! By far my most enjoyable marathon experience so far as well as the toughest race I have ever run. It's the full package. I hope to be back for more events in the future.

I cannot explain how beautiful this course was! I was distracted for most of the race because I was looking at the scenery. Even as the course got a little bit hilly, it was still beautiful. The finish line at the ocean is spectacular and made for some great post-race photos.
This event was very well-organized and well-staffed. I felt like the aid stations were well-stocked and the support at each one was great! there were a lot of locals who set up next to the course to cheer as well. I was able to obtain good medical care at the first aid tent at the end and get some great, healthy post-race snacks.
The other thing that made this race was that Bob volunteered to mail my boyfriend and I our t-shirts all the way at our home in California. We were unable to pick them up at the pre-race expo due to our travel plans, but Bob went out of his way to make sure that we received our souvenirs!
I would love to run this again! Well worth the trip!

One of the hardest things I have ever done, but so worth it! The Island is one big hill, I swear. It is hot, humid, at times rainy. Not one for trying to beat your PB, but the scenery is breathtaking, the volunteers and residents encouraging and enthusiastic and the race was incredibly well-organized. I'll be back!