Kona Marathon

I have run 30 plus full marathons and Kona marathon is worst organised. 1. The course is NOT USATF certified and not for BQ. 2. Timing chip was NOT functional and there was no Gun time recorded. I finished the full marathon and crossed the finish line and received my medal in 2019. I still do not have my finish time. 3. Organizer never returns the email or inquiry. 4. Majority course is along the Highway under scorching sun of 90 degree. 5. Poor organised as they ran out medals for half and quarter marathons, so they gave full marathon medals to all late finishers.

I believe every marathon is set up and conducted by GREAT people who make it happen so typically, I have good things to say: It was put together well (for the most part), nice medals, friendly Hawaiian staff and very nice t-shirt design. Downside: It was my last 'state' marathon (to finish all 50 and DC) and NO mention of it when I finished, in fact, they never said my name when I finished. Family told me it was like they only said 'every other' name; There were 'amateur' MC's at the finish which was disappointing, I mean what was this, a HS Cross Country event? Somebody 'lost' my finish time information? 'I' had to go up to the MC's and have 'them' make an announcement about my finishing all of the states and DC and that, too, was frustrating because it seemed like I was trying to pull teeth to do it? Not exactly a 'nice finish' to my accomplishment of my 62nd marathon and to RUNNING A MARATHON IN ALL 50 STATES AND DC in a course of 19 1/4 years. Also, this marathon SHOULD START at 5:00 instead of 5:30. The 2nd half, for anybody who was out there past 7:30'ish was SWELTERING!

I've read comments here and elsewhere about this race, and it's apparent that people who are complaining didn't do their homework. This is a *very* difficult race. It's HAWAII. It's very hot, the sun is very powerful, and, yes, you're going to run through lava fields instead of beautiful green scenery. Expect that, prepare for it, and you won't be disappointed. Though it's true for all marathons, this race is not for the faint of heart. The heat is brutal as you're not all that far away from the equator here, but I was surprised by how strong the wind was as well. There is very little crowd support because, well, who wants to be out there next to a lava field that's emanating heat cheering you on? I was told there were between 300 and 400 registrants, but only 262 finished! The good news is the course, while not flat, is relatively free of any challenging hills. My time was terrible, but I expected that due to the conditions. It was one half hour slower than my most previous marathon. However, my PRIDE was greater than usual because I ran a very difficult course. If you're looking for a beast of a race that is going to be a huge challenge, then sign up for this one. Things I would comment on: 1) the water stations were understaffed and there weren't enough individuals to hand out water/Gatorade to runners in multiple races coming from both directions. I do not want to stop running, and I always want more than 1 cup of water. 2) the expo was also understaffed. I had to wait in an unnecessarily long line to buy memorabilia. 3) the PA at the start line was poor. I couldn't even hear the national anthem, yet there I was standing around with my hat on like a disrespectful jerk. 4) nice tshirt and medal 5) volunteers generally nice and friendly