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Honolulu Marathon: The Course (Route)
The Honolulu Marathon is always held every second Sunday
of December and starts just across the Ala Moana Center.
There is no qualifying record to join the race. Anyone
can join as long as one can pay the entry fee - which is
just as little as $107 for Honolulu residents who
register early, and $140 for international residents if
they register early. There is no limit as to how many
join the race, and no time limit to finish the race.
Each runner is provided with a timer and a certificate
of their record time at the end of the race.
Thus, before the day of the race, the participant are
required to individually pick up their race packet,
which includes a timing chip and a race number, at the
Hawaii Convention Center during the Honolulu Marathon
Expo. No proxies are allowed, and don’t forget to bring
your confirmation card when claiming your packet.
The route
The marathon begins at 5 am in the area opposite Ala
Moana Center near the Ala Moana Beach Park. From there,
the race runs westward along the coastline then
progresses to downtown Honolulu. Looping through
downtown Honolulu, the marathon leads back east,
coursing through Waikiki and passing along several
Hawaiian landmarks including the Iolani Palace, the
statue of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku at the
entrance of Waikiki Beach, and the Kawaiahao Church.
The course then becomes a bit challenging as the course
ascends up the Diamond Head. The highest point of the
climb is 38 meters above sea level. The runners have to
trace the path twice - up and down.
From the Diamond Head, the course heads east to the city
suburbs, winds through Hawaii Kai, then head to the
Kapoliani Park where the race ends.
While the course is mostly flat and following the
Pacific coastline, the oppressive humidity and heat can
pose challenge to the runners. Their effort will all be
appreciated at the Kapoliani Park where finishers are
welcomed by cheers from as many as 50 thousand
spectators, leis, and certificates.
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