Change can sometimes be scary, but for the Kona Marathon, it was necessary. ADVERTISING Change can sometimes be scary, but for the Kona Marathon, it was necessary. The Kona Marathon, Half-Marathon, Quarter-Marathon and 5K races will make their Waikoloa Beach
Change can sometimes be scary, but for the Kona Marathon, it was necessary.
The Kona Marathon, Half-Marathon, Quarter-Marathon and 5K races will make their Waikoloa Beach Resort debut on Sunday. The marathon and half-marathon begin at 6 a.m., followed by the 5K at 6:45 a.m. and quarter-marathon at 7 a.m.
Sharron Faff, owner and race director of the Kona Marathon, assures that despite a new venue, athletes and spectators alike can expect the same high standards the race has provided for more than two decades, while also looking forward to a bright future.
“We were in Kailua Village for 21 years and it was wonderful,” Faff said. “However, every year it became harder to shut down Alii Drive for the race with more and more people living in Kona.”
On top of taking care of logistical issues, the move north also brings an opportunity to take the marathon to the next level.
“We were somewhat confined and needed a bigger venue to grow,” Faff said. “In Waikoloa, we have the ability to really expand this event. And it also helps that it’s just gorgeous.”
The changes are already paying off. Sunday’s race has more registered participants than ever before, although Faff is still waiting to see how many cross the finish line. The previous high came on the race’s 20th anniversary in 2013, when nearly 1,800 athletes finished.
“When you make a change, there is almost always a drop. Luckily, we have not had that,” Faff said. “We have as many registered athletes right now as we have ever had before a race. It’s not by a lot, but it is more than ever before.”
Plotting a course
Faff and her race crew studied the lay of the land around Waikoloa Beach Resort, carefully planning the new route for the athletes. The verdict — a course that loops around Waikoloa Beach Resort, followed by a trek south for the longer marathon and half-marathon races. Half-marathoners go out two miles before heading back in to the resort grounds, while those running the 26.2-mile marathon will turn around just past the Kiholo Bay scenic point. The finish line is at the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Garden, with an awards presentation slated for 9:30 a.m.
“It is a slight uphill climb to the scenic overlook, but the view is spectacular coming back,” Faff said. “The run through the resort is all very shaded and will give athletes a chance to cool down before they head to the finish line.
“This is the first year, and the runners will let us know what they think of the course. We really rely on them for feedback.”
By the numbers
Now in its 22nd year, the race has earned a stellar reputation in the running community, even being named the No. 1 marathon in Hawaii by a TripAdvisor company earlier this year.
“It is a race on a lot of people’s bucket list,” said Faff.
The race has also been positive for the community. According to Hawaii Tourism Association figures, the race brings in over $10 million to the local economy.
A number Faff is even more proud of is the $19 million the race has raised for charities and causes ranging from leukemia and Crohn’s and Colitis, to the American Heart Association, Special Olympics and Boy Scouts of America.
“The stories of why people choose to do this race are unbelievable,” Faff said. “They are using the race to get healthier, help cope with a situation in their life, or are running in memory of someone close to them.”
Another big number Faff makes a point to mention is the nearly 350 race-day volunteers.
“Our volunteers are essential to making this race happen,” “The aid stations are major, helping with the health and security of our runners. I simply cannot say enough about the volunteers and what they do to make this race a success.”
