Honolulu Marathon

It may be a surprise that a marathon on a small, tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is among the ten largest marathon races in the world. But with its 25,000 annual runners the Honolulu Marathon really is up there with the big ones such as Boston, New York, Chicago and London. The first Honolulu Marathon appeared in 1973 with 151 finishers, and already in this inaugural race, the dream was to be on par with the famous Boston Marathon one day. Especially runners from Japan contribute to the field making it large enough to compete with Boston and making up more than 60 percent of the total.

The Honolulu runners will end their marathon in Kapiolani Park near the volcanic crater, Diamond Head. Kapiolani Park was the state’s first public park and it remains one of the most frequented recreational areas in the city. On race day the park is transformed to a joyful festival with an award ceremony, post-race malasadas (a Portuguese donut) and nearly 50,000 spectators celebrating the tired but euphoric finishers. The course is relatively flat with a large part of it following the magnificent Pacific coastline.

A climb occurs at Diamond Head, which runners pass twice along the way. The highest point is 38m above sea level. The early 5am start with fireworks is spectacular and cool. There is no time limit and the last finisher usually comes in long after most runners have had time to cool down in the pacific ocean and ordered a well deserved Mai-Tai.

The traditional Sports Expo lasts three days attracting thousands of visitors and vendors. Friday before race day a concert/luau with Hawaiian music, dance show and the mandatory carbo-loading dinner are held to get everybody in the mood for Sunday’s run.

For those not up to a full 42.2km, there is a 10km option which starts at the same time as the marathon.

The Kalakaua Merrie Mile is a one mile race in Waikiki on the day before the marathon.