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Feb 22, 2025

Maui Oceanfront Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Maui Oceanfront Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.1

Organization 3.9

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 67 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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R. N. from Napa, CA (1/27/2012) "Maui is a gem - but it's a tough 26.2" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 21st marathon and my 13th state. COURSE - The marathon runs from Wailea to Lahaina. For the majority of the race, the scenery is amazing. Truly amazing. Unfortunately, the sunrise was to my back, but the best part of the course is mid-miles where there is elevation gain. For the first hour of my race, it was pretty much dark due to the 5:45am start. However, reality is that you can't start this race early enough. It was in the 70s with a nice breeze at the start, which quickly escalated toward the 80's in the back half. If you run 4-5 hours, get ready to really roast. Now the downside: I didn't expect to struggle with runner traffic in this race (I finished 16th overall), but it was quite congested out there on the final 10k. This is because the shorter distances start in front of the marathoners on the course to end at the same finish point. I was competing for limited space on the bike path on state route 30 with the many joggers/walkers in front of me that were participating in the 5k/10k/15k and 1/2 marathon distances. Normally, not a big deal, but when trying to pass in this narrow space, while contending with oncoming cars who are not necessarily sensitive to the marathon made it somewhat undesirable. I accidentally clipped two walkers who were unaware I was behind them as they strolled along side with fellow walkers. Throw in the grogginess of the heat setting in later in the race, and it became a bit cumbersome to worry about runners/traffic and finish the race strong. However, I'm not sure how this could be improved. It's not practical to shut down this road on the island. Bottom line is that it's the nature of putting on a race in Maui. Maybe you can somehow time the difference distances to start differently, or route then differently? Nevertheless, I finished the race and jumped into the Pacific right after. NICE. Some complained about hills, but I don't think the course is that hilly. No real big ones up or down, with exception to the start which is actually pretty fast downhill. It's really the heat and humidity that are the killers. We stayed at Lahaina Shores, which is 0.2 miles from the finish line. SO HAPPY we stayed so close. Nice hotel - good pricing - but very quiet. Thankfully, there is Spanky's and Betty's next door to go drink. :) ORGANIZATION I didn't meet the race director, but he seemed extremely focused on putting on a superb event. For the most part, he succeeded. His e-mail communication was humorous and constant for several weeks up to the event, and it really helped set expectations for this laid-back tourist race. No expo - no problem for me. The number pick-up was easy at the Pioneer Inn. It is definitely low-frills however. With fees of $120+ depending on when you register, I would expect at least a little baggie to hold my number, shirt and safety pins. Nada. Nothing. Maybe a sponsor could help provide a LITTLE bit of flair at pick-up, please? The shirt is kind of cruddy. Sizing is all messed up. In fact, in retrospect, I think I got a women's handed to me. Not sure, but I don't get many v-neck men's (I rarely fit into an XL Men's). Need to improve this. I did appreciate the announcement of my name and a little 'factoid' about me that I shared on my entry. This was a nice touch. SPECTATORS You don't come to this race to be cheered. You're running on a busy road with cars nearly the whole race. Only spectators are family members of the participants. It's a race of runners who came to enjoy the island after the race. IN SUMMARY... I'm happy that I did it, but it's likely my last race in Hawaii. Come to this race if you want to train through the winter and run in an amazing destination and enjoy a holiday afterward. I felt NO PAIN after this race when I was sipping beers at a beachside bar watching the AFC Championship. Do NOT come to this race to run your P.R. (you won't - or if you do, you're not racing enough) or if you need big-city hype or a lot of people around you. Great place to check Hawaii off your 50 states list. But it is small, so if you want a big race in Hawaii, check out Honolulu.
Joe Loschiavo from Hawaii (1/26/2012) "A pure Hawaii marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This race is a small but wonderful experience. Terrific Aid Stations with plenty of liquids/food/snacks/cliff bars. I coulda ditched my fanny pack there was so much available nutrition. Great enthusiastic volunteers. As the Aid Station Director for the Ironman World Championship I was truly impressed by the entire support team. A challenging course but oh so amazing to run over the Pali and thru a tunnel.
M. T. from IL (7/30/2011) "Terrible organization" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 The island of Maui is beautiful which is why we entered the race. We were not disappointed with the scenery. The course was tough and hilly. From the start when we picked up our packet, I was let down. The packets were handed out in an apartment, with a one way staircase that everyone tripped over each other getting in and out. It was disorganized and when I asked where it started they referred me to the map. Nobody would just explain it to me which seemed like maybe they did not know. Not being from the island, I wanted the chance to drive the course before hand. There was no expo or goody bag, which this is not why I run but the entry fee was higher than most. The shirt was cool. I changed my run to the early start because I was worried about the weather, since I trained in the winter months of Illinois. Bad idea!!! I took the bus provided because my husband was running the half and he dropped me off in Lahaina where he started. The bus left over thirty minutes late and when we finally got to the starting line, the race director stated, OK everyone get out and start running. If you need the restrooms, theyre over there. The bus full of people was all complaining all the way to the starting line. There was no official start. It was still very dark outside and there were no markings on where the course was. The course turned into the main two way highway on the island. Since it was dark, I think cones or markers of some kind would have been helpful, once I passed the guy in front of me, I was on my own on this dark two way highway. At one point a truck was passing a car and I literally felt the heat of the engine on my backside. The first water station was not until mile six and there were very few aide stations, none of which would give out aspirin or Tylenol. I am not sure how this race could be a Boston qualifier. I have no idea on my official time, only what my watch told me. Needless to say I would not run this disorganized race again.
D. W. from Saskatchewan, Canada (2/7/2011) "AMAZING AND FANTASTIC!!!!" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race was very well organized and the RD (Les) did a great job. The volunteers were super along the course. It is Maui, so the temp. does increase as the morning progresses, but it sure beats running in snow and cold. And in how many places can you whale-watch while running a marathon? I would recommend this race as an absolute MUST DO! I will be back. Ps. The RD treated the 50-state finishers very well. A great choice to finish.
S. H. from Northfield, Mn. (1/31/2011) "Will be back in 2012" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Maui Oceanfront Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have run this race in the past two years. The organization gets better every year. The course is tougher than expected due to the hills in the first half and the heat in the second half. But, what's not to like about running on Maui in January?
M. O. from Denver, Colorado USA (1/29/2011) "Maui Oceanfront Marathon is well worth the trip!" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall, the race was fantastic. Despite running on the shoulder of a fairly busy road for the first 11 miles, then on the shoulder of a highway for the remainder of the race, the scenery more than made up for the traffic. When the sun rises above Haleakala revealing the beauty of Maui, it takes your mind mind off the task at hand. The organization was great and very straightforward. The constant communication from the race director made everything very easy for someone from out of town. The weather couldn't be beat. Coming from training runs in the ice, snow and below-zero temperatures, the Maui weather felt unbelievable. Although it was pretty warm by the end of the race, the aid stations were more than sufficient to supply water, sports drinks, gel shots, etc. If you are looking for a big race, running with a huge throng of people, a big race expo, and lots of SWAG, this isn't the race for you. If you're looking for a low-key, warm-weather, getaway marathon with the Pacific Ocean constantly over your left shoulder, the Maui Oceanfront Marathon is well worth the trip.
R. G. from New Jersey (1/28/2011) "Beautiful course, but it's never really flat" (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was a magnificent, beautiful course - second to none for sure. However, the entire race is uphill with the exception of about a 1/4 mile downhill into the tunnel. Do not believe any write-ups about it being "flat" - it is far from it. The heat may be a factor for some, but I found the breeze off the water and from the oncoming traffic to be enough to get me through. There are also ample water stations that are well stocked. I do recommend this race for the beauty and experience, but be prepared to run it for fun - not a course for a PR.
D. R. from Amelia, OH (1/28/2011) "This is a MUST-DO marathon" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Read the director's notes about the course... it's pretty much as he described. I'd rate the difficulty as moderate. Weather conditions at race time will have more do to with your finish time than the difficulty of the course. Start temp was in the 60's but quickly rose to 80 with little shade. Negatives: race director started the early start this year without waiting for the bus bringing the early starters, which he arranged... not cool. No water for several miles for early starters, so bring your own. Suggestions: stay near the finish line. We stayed at Lahaina Shores, which was not on the accommodations list. It was THE closest to the finish (2 blocks) and had a pool. Car rental is a must. Spectators can drive to see runners all along the course. Lots of places to go and things to see on the island. Really enjoyed the smallness of the race and the finish in Lahaina. Saw many whales during the run. If Hawaii is on your list, this is a must-do.
B. H. from Burlington, NC (1/26/2011) "Watch out for the thorns." (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Good organization and beautiful location, but it is a tough course. The first couple of hours are in the dark or in the shade with nice trade winds. About 16 miles in it all changes, as it moves into the sun, and the breeze all but disappears. Please watch out for the thorns along the guard rail. I got some nasty scratches.
Robert (Bob) Speck from California, USA (3/20/2010) "Absolutely beautiful. Running in Hawaii. Yes!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Maui Oceanfront Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 What a great place to run a marathon - and you're on vacation! I left the 40-50 temps in California, stepped off the plane and immediately felt the soothing 81-degree temp. Paradise! My muscles are going to enjoy this. Went straight to the expo to pick up my bib. The expo was small but well organized. I believe this was the 2nd Maui Oceanfront Marathon, so there were not very many sponsors or freebies. I'm sure being far away from the mainland makes it tough for sponsors to ship their goods over. The T-shirt is one of my favorites. It has a picture of an Hawaiian with a throw net over his shoulder with 2 fish, looking out over the ocean. Ok, the marathon started very early, as do most. But in this case it is probably to beat the heat. The ceremonial start was awesome - maybe a dozen Hawaiians in traditional dress, praying to the gods for our safety and well being, blowing their counch shells. I run with a Camelbak in all of my marathons so that I can drink at will, so the aid stations were not a factor to me. There was a lot of enthusiasm from the people at these stations though. The last half of the marathon was warm. I wish I had acclimated. The finisher medals are ok. The typical 5-year age group winner medals were not offered. There was a 40-60 age group award given. But hey, I'm there for the love of running and being with healthy people who share this passion. I stayed on Maui through the following week, attended a medical conference and enjoyed watching the whales. I will always winter in Hawaii. Boston 2010 is next. Les, thanks for organizing and giving us such a great place to run. Bob

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