Kona Marathon

On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 28

1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good

1) Location

Kona, Hawaii-Begins and finishes at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach

Score: 3

2) Start

The start is located .2 Miles from the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on Alii Drive...

Score: 3

3) Route

The Kona Marathon & Family Fun Runs marathon’s course takes place along the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Marathon begins on Alii Drive through Kailua-Kona town and up to the intersection of Alii Drive and Kuakini Hwy. The runners then turns left on Kuakini Hwy out to 'The Old Airport'. (A real airport made into a park after Keahole Airport was built.) Runners then continue right up 'K-Mart Road' and then left on to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Runners go 2 miles down the 'Natural Energy Lab Road', completing 13.0 miles into the race. Then the runners turn around for a 13.2 mile run to the finish line at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.

Score: 3

4) Mile Markers

The mile markers were very visible and accurate.

Score: 3

5) Water Stops

The water stops were plenty, but the water was not spring or purified. The smell was enough to make my stomach turn. I did not drink the water.

Score: 1

6) Finish Line

The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. When I crossed the finish line my name and time were announced. The medal was placed around my neck. The timing chip was removed by a volunteer. I did not receive a blanket. Since I was soaked from the down pour, I needed one. But they were not available since they had anticipated extremely hot weather that day.
Score: 3

7) Volunteers

There were plenty of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked.

Score: 3

8) Spectators

GREAT CROWD! Some spectators were giving the runners bottled water and Gatorade.
Score: 3

9) Refreshments

There was plenty of water, food and electrolytes for the participants. I went with the team Train to End Stroke, and they also had plenty of refreshments for us. Nourishment was abundant.
Score: 3

10) Medal

The medal is an oval. Inside the oval there is a map of the Big Island, Blue Waves and a runner touching a red star.

Score: 3

**When I participated, I had the flu and a fever. I was dehydrated, and was not
able to perform my best, and my pace suffered.

I’m considering participating in this event again, but I’ll make sure I’m healthy
and have my own water. Hopefully I can set a new personal record.

Disneyland Half-Marathon

On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 26

1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good

1) Location- Anaheim, CA

The route was from the Anaheim Convention Center to Disney's Adventure
Park, the scenic streets or Anaheim, and through Angel Stadium

Score: 3

2) Start

The start line was not very organized. I went with a small team, one had never participated in an event and one had finished her first event in almost 4 hours. They were placed in the 2nd Wave, I finished my last event in 2:28 and provided proof and I was placed in the last “Wave”. I was not too happy.

Score: 1

3) Route

The route was a flat loop course. Part of the route was through the theme park. Because I was placed in the wrong “Wave”, I encountered “People Jams”. This broke my pace and became frustrating. I was not able to enjoy the scenery. I was more concern about that portion of the route ending, so that I would be able to maintain a steady pace. Stopping and starting was not in my plans. I had actually had a goal of setting a new “Personal Best”.

Score: 1

4) Mile Markers

The mile markers were very visible and accurate.

Score: 3

5) Water Stops

The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful. They took good care of all the runners. This was very important because it was a very hot day.

Score: 3

6) Finish Line

The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. The medal was place around my neck. I like this better than when it is handed to me. I was able to find where the nourishment and water were located. We did not need blankets, the temperature was good enough
Score: 3

7) Volunteers

They had a large number of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked.

Score: 3

8) Spectators

The crowd was great. The entertainment was awesome. All the excitement they generated inspired me to continue no matter what. The community really came out to support us.
Score: 3

9) Refreshments

They had plenty of refreshments and water for the runners.

Score: 3

10) Medal

The size of the medal is huge. It is a castle, which says “Disneyland 1/2/Marathon”. Below the castle is an additional piece which dangles. This portion says “Happiest Race on Earth August 31, 2008”. I love it!
Score: 3


I recommend this race for all those who love a Disneyland Adventure. Runners can stop and have their picture taken with the Disney characters.

I do not recommend it if your plans are to set a new “Personal Best”.