Page 1/2 Honolulu Marathon 2008

It may be a surprise that a marathon on a small, tropical island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is among the 10 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 confident hope was to one day be able to equal the famous Boston Marathon. Especially runners from Japan are contributing to make the field large enough to compete with Boston. Usually the entries from Japan make up more than 60 percent of the total, but the Japanese are not the only ones who favour the Honolulu Marathon. Also American troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan participate in the race every year. The annual satellite races in the Middle Eastern war zones is run by 100 soldiers who receive the same finisher’s T-shirt and medals as runners in Honolulu.
The Honolulu runners will end their hardships in Kapiolani Park near 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 award ceremony, shiatsu massage and nearly 50,000 spectators celebrating the tired but euphoric finishers. Before reaching Kapiolani Park, runners have passed several famous Hawaiian landmarks such as Iolani Palace – the only royal palace in the US – the statue of surfing hero Duke Kahanamoku on surfing heaven Waikiki Beach and Kawaiahao Church, built with coral blocks from nearby reefs. 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 38 m above sea level, and with the burning sun and oppressive humidity, the course can be quite challenging.
The marathon in the capital of Hawaii is not only a one-day event. The marathon spreads over the whole week leading up to race day, which next time will be on December 14, 2008. The traditional Sports Expo lasts for four days attracting thousands of visitors with autograph-signing celebrities and trips to Las Vegas given away. Friday before race day a concert/luau with Hawaiian music, dance show and the mandatory carbo loading dinner is held to get everybody in the mood for Sunday’s run through the streets of tropical Honolulu. The luau is not the only thing that makes you sure to be in Hawaii. The marathon is set off by fireworks, and every finisher is adorned with a classic Hawaiian shell lei when crossing the finish line. If these exotic festivities appeal to you but the thought of running 42 km does not, you can participate in the Honolulu Marathon Race Day Walk. This is a 10 km non-competitive walk following the first 10 km of the marathon course and finishing in Kapiolani Park just like the marathon.
Registration and additional information at the official Honolulu Marathon website here.

Honolulu Marathon 2008 Course
A description of the scenic course of the Honolulu Marathon, Hawaii, as well as a course map and elevation chart is available here.

Honolulu Marathon 2007 Results and Information