My First Marathon: The Paradise of Honolulu

One Step at a Time

The 2024 Honolulu Marathon was my first ever marathon and the weekend was an unforgettable experience! It was packed with Aloha spirit, personal triumphs, and stunning Hawaiian scenery. I am definitely not a seasoned marathoner so this course provided a challenging yet rewarding journey through Oahu’s beautiful landscape.

Embrace the Challenge:

Let me be the first to say to aspiring 1^st marathoners that care considering the Honolulu Marathon for their first race…it isn’t a walk in the park. There is an early 5 AM start which means some miles are going to be tackled in the dark. This is an interesting experience but works well because you avoid the heat and humidity of Oahu when the race begins. As the sun rose, the renowned heat and humidity of Hawaii came into play. Please make sure you carefully plan for this when considering your hydration and fueling strategy! The course, while generally flat, includes challenging uphill sections, especially around Diamond Head. Plan for these accordingly as well.

The Course & the Views:

This race was one I will always remember. Not just because it was my first marathon, but because of the course and views. At 5 AM, the race literally started with a BANG! By bang, I mean a firework display that rivaled the best ever seen. It set the tone for the race and pumped the crowd of 35,000+ runners! The race takes place on the second weekend in December, so the first few miles of the race are filled with the beautiful holiday decorations in downtown Honolulu and surrounding neighborhoods. Be sure to check out Iolani Palace! There are iconic Honolulu sights, including glimpses of world-famous Waikiki Beach, the majestic Diamond Head, and the beautiful Koko Head volcanic crater.

The course went through downtown Honolulu, past Iolani Palace and the Christmas lights, through Waikiki and climbed up and around Diamond Head, before heading out through Kahala and out to Hawaii Kai. Turning back after Hawaii Kai toward Kahala and Honolulu, the course passed Diamond Head again on the ocean side before finishing in Kapiolani Park. While some find the course less scenic than other marathons, many appreciate the unique experience of running in paradise and the encouragement from local residents along the way.

Finish Strong:

I found the finish line in Kapiolani Park to be a place of celebration, filled with proud runners and the supportive atmosphere of the Aloha spirit. Crossing that finish line was one of the best experiences of my life and you are rewarded with a beautiful medal, a finisher shirt, and a well-deserved malasada in the finisher’s village!

Lessons Learned:

Since this was my first marathon, I definitely learned some lessons that I will take with me as I continue to run:

• Hydration and Nutrition: Staying on top of fluids and electrolytes is paramount in the heat and humidity. Planning your fueling strategy well in advance and practicing it during training is essential.
• Mental Toughness: There were some challenging conditions during this race (heat, humidity, the hill at Diamond Head Crater) that will test your mental fortitude. Focus on your reasons for running and break the race into smaller segments to help you push through.
• Listen to Your Body: Don’t be afraid to adjust your pace and take necessary breaks. Failing to reach a time goal can still be a fulfilling experience.
• Embrace the Aloha Spirit: The Honolulu Marathon is a unique event with a strong sense of community. Enjoy the experience, connect with fellow runners, and embrace the vibrant energy of the race.

The 2024 Honolulu Marathon was confirmation to me that I can do whatever I put my mind to! I salute the dedication and perseverance of runners who embraced the challenge and celebrated the unique beauty of Hawaii with me! It was a memorable event that embodies the spirit of Aloha!