The Kauai Marathon

This was only my 3rd full marathon (I started running when I turned 50) but my first since having open heart surgery last year. I've gotten in better shape but not as strong as I was when I ran Baltimore in 2010. I chose Kaua'i because I have been to the island many times and LOVE it dearly...it was great motivation to getting better after surgery. Some thoughts: - I learned afterwards that the Full Marathon is ranked nationally as the 4th most difficult marathon in the US. Boy, I see why and while I might not have changed my mind and still run it, my expectations would have been set differently. In many ways, it combined the hills of Baltimore (but worse) with the heat I faced in Chicago (but worse). Not for the faint of heart. - Like comments about the R&R Phoenix, it is geared much more to the Half than the Full. 2000+ runners in the Half and only about 250 in the Full. - Definitely bring your own gear and supplies. Nothing available on the island but I sort of knew that. I did expect more items at the expo but really only just shirts for sale. - Make sure you have your camera/phone because the vistas of this course are amazing, as you would expect. Cuts down on time but you won't get your PR in this run anyway! There was almost a full hour between the first and third place finishers.

The mechanical logistics of this race are fine. They have both a half marathon and a full marathon that start together. They run together for the first 11 miles, until they split apart. The marathon rejoins the half marathon course with 2 miles to go. The course is hilly with over 2000' of climbing. And expect the weather to be hot and humid. September is Kauai's warmest month. The course was accurately measured with mile markers every mile, but it is not USATF certified. Aid stations just had water and blue Poweraide. No type of energy gels, etc. Entrants received a nice sling bag for your packet, along with a mint green short sleeve tech shirt. The finisher's medal was nice. There were sufficient portajons at the start and at every aid station. Here's what I liked about the race: - It was on Kauai - Race management did their job. Here's what I didn't like about the race: - Ridiculously expensive. $200 if you register a year in advance. And they charge non-military and non-Hawaiian entrants 33% more than local residents. - My other gripe is that the the faster marathoners run into the back of the slow half marathoners in the last two miles. My wife who was a top-10 female had to squeeze her way across the finish line because four half marathoners were walking abreast of each other blocking the entire way. - For $200+ a gel or two would be nice.

The ideal marathon is supposed to be challenging, scenic, organized and well supported. And it might not hurt too if it is on a tropical island. The Kauai Marathon delivers all that with spades. Let's start with "Challenging." Every Hawaiian Marathon I have done requires a certain tolerance to heat and humidity. This state is a chain of tropical island after all, and warm, humid conditions are constant year round. No problem for a guy like me who trained all summer in the Southern US. We have all the heat and humidity anyone could ever wish for. For those who live in cooler and drier climates (for instance, Coastal Californians), the weather absolutely will take a toll. Don't expect a PR. Sweat and shade offer poor relief from hot and humid air. Fortunately aide stations are plentiful and stocked with ice, water and electrolyte solution (oddly no salt tabs however.) I am a slow runner, and all the stations were completely stocked and fully manned for the duration. Amazing! It also helped that the locals came out in force to supply oranges, watermelons, bananas and various drinks independently of the race. I wanted for nothing. The route was ultra scenic, but only the finish was anywhere near the coastline. Oddly for a Hawaiian Marathon, everything other than the beach was a focus. Several old plantations, the tunnel of trees, cloud clad mountains and tropical forests all graced the course. And there were hills! About 3000 feet of elevation change must be conquered in the marathon, with long, long sustained and steep ups and downs. This is a demanding course! As for a few thing that might be done better, parking is unorganized and street closures start at 0530 and only make things worse for those who commute in. Budget a very early arrival on race day. The expo was easy, but there are no supplies for sale ANYWHERE on the whole island, Be very careful to bring everything you need with you or be prepared to go without. No gels, lubes, shoe supplies... nothing. Overall, an awesome but very, very difficult race. You will likely suffer, probably a lot. You will very likely go slower than you are used to. But the vistas verge on poetic. It's clear the locals look be and support this race. Having now run it for myself, I understand why. They are proud, and deservedly so. I highly recommend this race to you. Definitely in my top 10.