Honolulu Marathon Association — Attraction in Honolulu

So my boyfriend and I signed up for the Honolulu Marathon last year since it wasn't too expensive (we signed up early as kamaainas). This was the third time that we signed up. 2014 was the first year we signed up together.

I did train a bit in the first year we tried (2014), and could only get to mile 16 before I had to call it quits because of all the pain I was in. After that, I developed plantar fasciitis. My running still has never been the same, and the plantar fasciitis still flares up here and there.

I was very disappointed in myself the first year. Pain or not, I felt like a failure. I felt like a cheater since I crossed the finish line after getting a ride from a friend at mile 16 who took us to the park. I crossed the finish line so I would know what it was like and be motivated to finish next time. I was sad and felt worthless that I didn't finish.

The second year we signed up, we got to the expo and that was the furthest we got. I was still disappointed and felling negative so I didn't even want to try.

The third year (3016), we were debating should we even do it since we didn't do any training at all. Last minute, we decided that we would just do some of it and walk, if we woke up in time. We went to a bbq and slept at 11:30 pm the night before. Whatever happens, happens.

Somehow, we woke up, did the 10 miles we said we would and just kept going. We walked and walked. And guess what?

We finished, a little over 11 hours. That's longer than a work day. My legs were jello that day but surprisingly the next day, I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. I think it's because I stretched and kept moving. I didn't sit or lay down for too long.

It may have taken us a long time, but my boyfriend and I did it together. We tried hard and didn't give up. We officially finished a marathon together and each earned our first Honolulu Marathon medal! If you can complete a marathon, you'll feel like you can do almost anything after that.

Some tips and takeaways?

Train. Don't overtrain, but make sure you train. We may not have trained, but we were swimming, doing yoga and other strengthening exercises which probably helped us.

Food. Make sure you bring a snack and enough energetic gels/packets. We didn't know we were doing the entire marathon so we weren't prepared and were out of energy during most of the race.

TP. Make sure you pack toilet paper for the race. There will be a lot of bathroom breaks.

Support. It can be a running partner, someone else in the race or someone just following your progress. They can help cheer and motivate you. They also can make sure you're ok and get you help if you need it. It's amazing how much a little support can really help you push through.

Run. If you can, do some running. 11 hours is a very long time to be walking and is very hard on your feet.

Don't give up. Try your best and take each mile at a time. People who do this marathon are very supportive along the way. You entered and were at the start line. That's the hardest step.

Listen to your body. If your body is in pain and telling you to stop, stop. No race is worth doing permanent damage to your body.

Would we do it again? Yes. Now that I know we can finish. We are going to try to train this time and do some running.

I want to thank you to those of you who were tracking me and encouraged me! You were with me and helped me finish that race. Let me say, a lot of things cross your mind as you do the race. You believed in me, even when I doubted myself. I appreciate the support more than you know.

And now I know understand why that malasada is so good.

You can walk or run. Do it for malasadas. Train and...

I've been fortunate to participate in the Honolulu marathon 5 times now, and I must say, it's one of the most organized, well thought out and planned race ever. Water, sports drinks, first aid stations, and cold sponges line the entire course. No participant lacks having any of their basic needs being met. The race begins in the dark at 0500 with the start of colorful fireworks and excitement. The runners then proceed through a downtown of beautiful Christmas lights and holiday displays. As observers cheer you on, and hand out snacks, you make your way into Waikiki, and then Diamond Head, where the view of the ocean and mountains are in the background. It's stunning. Volunteers are abundant along the 26.6 mile course, helping to make the event a success. Local residents offer a quick cool down by allowing you to run through the mist of their garden hose, while others perform live music along the way. Your adrenalin flows, palm trees sway, and the multicultural crowd pushes forward together, united in a common goal, crossing the finish line. Just when you think you can't go on another step, the finish line beams in the distance. It calls you to push hard until the end. You hear your name boom over the loud speaker as you throw your arms up in victory! I highly recommend the Honolulu marathon...

I completed my first ever marathon with the Honolulu Marathon and couldn't be happier. I just moved to Oahu last year and signed up last year as well. My feet on the other hand are not that happy at the moment, but that has nothing to do with the organizers of this amazing run. :) Leading up to the marathon, they provided excellent updates via email and on social media. They made sure to address all questions that most people ask. The packet pick up at the expo went smoothly as well. I wish we didn't have to pay $15 for parking at the convention center, but that's also not on the organizers of the run. If a lower parking rate could be negotiated, that would be a huge plus. There are SO many participants of this race due to it being the 4th largest run in the U.S. plus there is no time limit. One thing I think could be improved on is a clear understanding that folks who are walking stay to one side of the street. It made the run even more challenging when needing to weave through walkers all throughout the course, especially at the start line. The safety was on-point with many police officers, volunteers, medics and everyone who was willing to help make things go smoothly. I already signed up for the...