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The Kauai Marathon Runner Comments
Back to The Kauai Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.7 
Organization 4.8 
Spectators 4.7
Number of comments: 79 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
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Nikolaus Daubert from Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
(11/16/2010)
"This Race Will Test Your Soul" (about: 2010)
2 previous marathons
| 2 The Kauai Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The island of Kauai is my home town, so when I heard about the inaugural race starting up in 2009, I decided it was time to get running. I had never run more than 2 miles prior to this, and I'm pretty sure I needed every one of the 600 or so miles of training I did in the 7 months leading up to this. First off, when considering this race and the comments, please understand that there is indeed a night/day difference between the full- and half-marathon courses. In my opinion, the race does not truly begin until you take a right (the half marathoners go left) around mile 11. Once that climb starts up, you are in for a serious battle. Put it this way: when you see an ambulance hauling away the pair of world-class Kenyan runners (who were expected to break the 2:30 mark needed to claim the $10,000 prize), you know you're in for it. The biggest killer in 2010 was the combination of the heat and humidity. Meanwhile, 2009 saw cloudy skies and even light rain... godsends, really. Then 2010 flipped the switch. Like others have said, you should not expect to run a PR in this race. The race starts at 6 a.m. Given the brutal conditions once the sun rises (around 7 a.m.), you'd think this race would start earlier (5 or 5:30). I emailed the race directors about this recently, and got a prompt response. The problem is that there are simply not enough streetlights along the course. It is literally pitch black. That's hard to fathom when you live in a big city, but anyone that has lived in the country knows what I mean. The logistics of setting up lights along the first 8 miles or so of the course are just not feasible (they researched it). I appreciated the response from the race director, and it made perfect sense. Anyway, others have already voiced most of the positives that I would've mentioned; the volunteers, bands, dancers, and spectators along the way are AWESOME. The throb of taiko drums around mile 10 really get you cranking down that first hill. There was also this random guy with a huge PA system blasting classic rock songs near mile 13 (mile 22 on the way back). That gave me a HUGE boost ("Carry on my wayward sonnn...") as my legs were screaming at that point. The food and drink offerings at the end were amazing both years. Granted, I was so out of it that I could barely sip the beer as I lay cramped in pain, but I appreciated how much effort was put into the finish area. My my lone criticism is that the finish area is not fully tented. There's a great grassy area for the runners right next to the food/drink/massage tents, but it was scorching hot. If you have family/friends waiting for you at the end, have them bring a big picnic umbrella to spike into the ground. That would've been a clutch move. Still, that's a very, very minor quibble. If you like challenges, this race is for you. My advice if you choose to enlist in this battle: take leg weight training seriously. It will pay off hugely. | |
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Cara Stone from Baltimore, MD
(10/6/2010)
"Ran it in 2009 & 2010... can't wait for 2011!!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 The Kauai Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 THE most beautiful place on the planet? The island of Kauai! THE most awesome race I've ever had the pleasure to run? The Kauai (Half) Marathon! I've run 20+ races, from 5K to half marathons (currently training for my 1st full). I ran the half in Kauai in 2009 and 2010... and I'm seriously considering going back to do the FULL next year! Wonderful course, organization/organizers, volunteers, other race weekend events, and absolutely amazing spirit of ALOHA! DO NOT MISS THIS RACE!! :-) | |
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A. M. from Colorado
(10/3/2010)
"Must Love A Challenge" (about: 2010)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 10th marathon, and was as exhilarating as excruciating. The half course is super mild compared to the hills in the full. The ascents in the full were steep and sustained, and the descents were particularly painful. It was great training, though, as I did another marathon later that month and cut 40 minutes off my time. And, anyway, I think the raw beauty in any race is extant in the challenge it presents. Meeting Dean Karnazes, Bart Yasso, JT Service and Rich Hanna was a real treat. The host hotel housed the start, finish and expo, so logistics were a breeze. The volunteers make up in heart what the course lacked in volume of spectators; they were magnificent. I was never hot due to the ice sponge baths every mile in the second half. I always thought you had to take whatever weather conditions were given to you, but Kaua'i perfectly demonstrated how race directors can beat the heat. It was stunning. I can't imagine a better course or event anywhere in Hawaii. | |
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jim miller from Orlando, FL
(9/19/2010)
"It took 69 runs and all 50 states to find THE BEST" (about: 2010)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race has it all: superb organization, wonderful people, a beautiful and very, very challenging course - but for those who truly appreciate marathons you know it all comes down to the people and the memories. Kauai and organizer Jeff S understand this concept perfectly. My friends at the 50 State Club - Paula/Steve Boone - guided me to Kauai. "Pick a nice, small race for your 50th so we can make some noise for you." And it worked - thanks to Jeff and his staff. Imagine my pleasant surprise when my BIB number was # 50; and of the way the volunteer Betty went way out of her way to help get me written directions of the route and how staff Deb makes sure I know where to go all along the drive; and how they both almost enlisted JT - there to protect his last year win - to drive the course with me (and he almost did)!! The fun run and chance to meet Dean K and Bart Y was great.... The luau offers great insight to the culture of the people and the MC is perfect and becomes part of the overall race. Then, where else do you have a start with great music, a sound system that works, tiki torches, the great MC again, such a full breakfast with all of the right foods, a high-five with Dean K, and a local blessing that brings tears to your eyes? The prep panel provides inspiration and the info needed to get me to first in my age group; know that the hills DO start at mile 11 and go through 19... but know also that the last 3 are welcomed. The post-race party has immediate results, great announcers at the finish line and the draft beers keep flowing... and then to have Deb take pictures and video for me and Race Director Rob just happen to pick me up and drive me to my car... the entire event and the people involved made this my favorite marathon ever. As a guy who spent a lot of the past 4 years focusing on this finish line, Jeff and Kauai exceeded every expectation... and I WILL be back next year. | |
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D. T. from Utah
(9/19/2010)
"Great location for a race!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the 1/2 marathon and what a beautiful race. This race is a great reason to visit this gorgeous state. The hospitality was incredible. The race organizers are very passionate about the race. | |
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Michele McVenes from St Paul, MN
(9/19/2010)
"Amazing Experience!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 The Kauai Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran the full marathon last year and the half marathon this year, and both courses are excellent! The course is well staffed, with plenty of support and extremely friendly staff. I would highly recommend either race! The staff is top notch, from registration to the post-race. This is a must-do race! | |
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L. M. from Tucson, Arizona
(9/13/2010)
"Exceeded all of my expectations" (about: 2010)
1 previous marathon
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first half-marathon. I did not know what to expect and I was so pleased with the organization, the course (although difficult), and the people of Kauai. I will be back next year and will recommend this event to all of my friends in the running world. | |
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Eric Petersen from Salt Lake City, Utah
(9/13/2010)
"An incredible run in Paradise" (about: 2010)
50+ previous marathons
| 2 The Kauai Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Kauai is an ideal location for a marathon. The course is challenging, with a beautiful uphill climb through the Tunnel of Trees, but the hills are what make the course interesting. The pre- and post-race support was incredible. Lots of food before and after the race, and the aid stations were very well supplied with water, Cytomax, and fruit. There were several gel stations as well. Smiling volunteers, hula dancers, and musicians greeted runners throughout the course. Runners could really feel the spirit of Aloha. This is a must-do race for any runner who enjoys travel and running. The real charm of the race is in the smaller numbers. There were about 1,500 runners, which is really nice. It still has a personal feel to it. After the race is over, enjoy the wonderful party and the ocean, which is right across the street. Then, hang out in paradise for a few more days. I definitely recommend it!! | |
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Varinka Barbini from Kentucky
(9/13/2010)
"What an experience!!" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 The Kauai Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was one of the most memorable races I have ever participated in. The course was well laid out, with plenty of aid stations. The hospitality of the race staff and citizens of KAUAI was wonderful. The course was both challenging and beautiful! The results were posted quickly and the food and beverages available at the finish were excellent. I also really love the mug and album in my race packet. Now I can drink my coffee and thumb through my race/vacation pictures. I can't wait to come back next year!!! | |
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Tom Cogdall from Florida
(9/12/2010)
"Challenging, well organized event." (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The organization and layout of the Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon were first-rate. From the start, every aspect of the race (from water stops to the finish) was well managed. As a first-time participant in the half marathon, I underestimated the challenging course, but I still had a fun time. The post-race celebration was one of the best I have attended; everyone was so friendly and helpful. If possible, I will attend this event again! Thanks, Kauai, for your wonderful hospitality. |
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