If Hawaii is on your to-do list and you like the smaller, less congested races, this one is for you! It is on O'ahu, the easiest island to get to, and it is on the North Shore which seems about a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu and Waikiki with only being about a 30 minute drive from the airport. The north shore is absolutely gorgeous, uncrowded, and just about paradise. This marathon came pretty close to paradise as well.

Packet pick up is in the heart of Honolulu, and I can see how parking would be a problem. We found a spot next to the building, but it was very crowded around there. Pick up was easy and I was in and out in about 3 minutes.

The race itself starts at 5 am in a large unpopulated park on the ocean, and there was plenty of parking for 2 or 3 times the number of runners. The RD announced there were between 4-500 marathoners. For a smaller race, there was way more police present than any other marathon I've ever run. There were 50 officers there keeping us safe, and they did an outstanding job. After the start there were two quick loops through the Surfing town of Haleiwa, and then a beautiful out and back run next to the ocean. It rained, then poured, then rained harder, then the sun would come out for a bit before it rained again. Overall the rain kept me just cool enough.

There were the right amount of well stocked aid stations placed the right distance apart, and all the volunteers were extremely friendly. They kept both the water and gatoraid cool, which was appreciated.

The finish in the park took a while, the FL was about 3/10 of a mile from the enterence of the park. But it was a great finish with lots of people cheering us on. It was a very nice medal, a great tech shirt, and a coupon that you can order a free towel. They also provided a complete meal for all runners.

All in all it was a great race and I would highly recommend it to everyone that needs to run Hawaii!

My first North Shore Marathon, but not my first race organized by the group at 808. Course was very well marshalled, water stations were well organized and enthusiastic. Very long out and back along Dillingham highway, but I knew that going in. Parking was well organized and plentiful, helped by the (relatively) small field. Was a little disappointed in the post-race offerings, but hey, small race, small fare. Only real complaint was pre-race package pickup. Location makes it difficult for parking, particularly during Friday afternoon peak period when majority of on-street parking near the BOCA store is closed to permit rush-hour traffic flow. Organizers would be better served by finding an off-site location with better parking in future. Otherwise, well done to the 808 team. A good 'small' race that I would like to do again without the rain.

This was my 4th marathons on Hawaiian islands, and it was a very beautiful relatively flat course along the surf beaches on the North shore, much more scenic than Honolulu marathon in December and not so hilly compared to the Maui's races. It was very well organized for a small marathon, aid stations every 2 miles, well supplied with ice and gatorades, volunteers were great, and the police and route patrols were enthusiatic and friendly. Plate lunch and fruits at the finish. Nice medals. And women's sizes finishing shirts that fit perfectly. Thank you! Would love to do this again.
My only problem was the logistic for out-of-towners to get to the start was a bit tricky to get to the start at 5am in the dark if you are not familiar with the area, almost got lost and missed the starting gun. But it was definitely worth the effort.

Nice, mostly scenic course along the North Shore of Oahu. Very hot in the second half, but it is Hawaii, so not much can be done there. The 5 AM start helps. Spectators were sparse if you're into that, but those who were there were great. Only one negative, but it's a HUGE negative if you're traveling for this race. They changed the race date AFTER opening registration. I booked my entire trip based on the original date and got an email a few weeks later saying that it was moved. After inquiring about this the RD said they couldn't get the permits for the original date, which they should have done before opening registration. I had to pay an airline change fee and take an extra day off work, but luckily I could still run on the new date. What would happen for someone who couldn't do the new date and had non-refundable airfare already booked? I emailed the RD about what they might do to compensate people for extra expenses incurred because of their error and got no reply other than I'd get my registration fee back if needed. I would say this is a nice Hawaii destination race, but this was a major problem.

I just ran the marathon yesterday! It is a beautiful route, and it is not for novices! I admit the route is so much better than the Honolulu Marathon, because of how flat the route is!
Also, the fact that every 2 miles there is a water/Gatorade station is great! However, the majority of the route is on Dilingham highway, so there is no to very little shade if you want to rest and stretch your legs!
The scenery is terrific, espcially when you want to stop and look at the North Shore waves crashing through the rocks!