Kona Marathon
27th Annual
General Questions
What are the 2021 event dates? (proposed dates, not confirmed)
June 19, 2021 – Health & Fitness Fair
June 20, 2021 – Kona Marathon, Kona Half Marathon, Kona Quarter Marathon & Kona 5K.
Are there any other weekend events?
Yes! Check out our Health & Fitness Fair.
How and where do I pick up my bib number for all events?
At the Health & Fitness Fair at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Convention Center on Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 10:00 am to 5 pm. or at the Start Line on race morning from 4:30 to 6:45 am. There will be no race day registration for any of the races. The Fair is free and open to the public. Participants must pick up their own bib and must have a valid ID.
How do I get my Participant Shirt?
You will receive your participant shirt at packet pick up at the Health & Fitness Fair.
Once I arrive in Hawaii, how should I prepare for Race Day?
Remember to hydrate properly for our tropical climate, especially a few days before the race. This means some kind of electrolyte replacement drink, not just water. Know the racecourse. The Course Map is available online. All participants are responsible for knowing their racecourse.
Are there Race Crew Volunteer opportunities?
Yes. Visit our Get Involved page.
I can’t come to Hawaii in 2020 – what is the 2021 date?
To be announced – June 2020. Registration will open mid-July 2020.
Event Questions
Is there an airport shuttle?
There are two shuttle companies offering service from the Kona International Airport to the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Please call them directly or go to their website for details, costs and to reserve a seat.
Roberts Express Shuttle – www.robertshawaii.com – Toll Free: 1-866-570-2636
Speedi Shuttle – www.speedishuttle.com – Toll Free: 1-877-242-5777
Is there a resort shuttle?
On the morning of the event, there will be a continuous free shuttle from the Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel to the Start Line between 4:00 am and 11:00 am. This service will be provided by Hawaii Forest and Trail. The Hawaii First and Trail Bus is for runners only. Meet at the Hilton’s Lower Lobby entrance. The Hilton is one mile from the Start/Finish at the Waikoloa Bowl at Queens’ Gardens near Queens’ MarketPlace.
The commercial resort shuttle runs all day continuously starting at 10:00 am.
Cost is $2 per person each way.
Is there parking near the Start/Finish?
If driving to the event, there is ample parking around the Start/Finish at both the Queens’ MarketPlace and across the street at the Kings’ Shops.
Can I bring my pet?
We love pets, but for their own safety, we require that they stay home.
I have a group/team that would like to participate. Do you have group rates?
Yes. Contact us for more information.
What will the weather be like?
Please visit the Weather information page.
When is the award ceremony?
Please visit the Results & Awards page.
Are there any Road Closures on race day?
No. Click here for additional course information.
Is there a bag check on Race Day?
Yes. Bags can be dropped off at the start line and picked up at the Age Group Award’s Tent near the Finish Line. For everyones safety anything checked into Gear Check is subject to search.
What replenishment fluid is available on the course?
We will be providing Powerade on course.
Is there Energy Gel available?
Kona Marathon be providing Clif Shots for marathon and half marathon participants at selected Aid Stations.
Is the Kona Marathon USAT&F certified or a Boston Qualifier?
No. Due to a course change this year we are currently neither. Once we are sure there will be no course modifications it will be certified.
What type of timing will be used?
JTL Timing is our official race timer and they use D tag ChronoTrack Chip timing for all four events.
Course Questions
What are the start times?
Visit the Registration page for more information.
I am a walker – can I walk the course?
Yes. All four courses are walker friendly as long as you cross the finish line by 1:30 pm.
Can I take my stroller on the course?
Strollers will be allowed only on the 5K. Due to runner safety, no strollers are allowed in any of the other races.
Can I wear my bib number on my back or side?
No. For your safety, bib numbers must be worn the on front of the body and visible at all times. This is for safety, liability, timing and photography purposes. Ensure the bib is placed on a garment that is not going to be removed when the day warms up.
Once I finish, can I go back and run with my friend?
Yes. However, for safety purposes, the finish line chute is restricted to participants who are finishing their race.
Can a friend or family member cross the finish line with me?
No. For safety purposes, the finish line chute is restricted to participants who are finishing their race.
What kind of surface is the race run on?
The race is run on asphalt roads.
How many Aid Stations are there?
Aid Stations are located every 1 to 1.5 miles. There are 20 Aid Stations along the Marathon course, 10 for the Half Marathon, 5 for the Quarter Marathon and 2 for the 5K. See the Course Map for more details. Available at all stations is water, electrolyte and ice.
In addition, there are 3 cool zone water misting stations.
Are there restrooms along the course?
Yes. There are restrooms at or near every Aid Station. See the Course Map for more information.
What is the Course cutoff time?
The course will close eight hours (1:30 pm) after the start of the Marathon and is runner and walker-friendly.
How hilly is the course?
All four courses are relatively flat. The Half Marathon and Full Marathon have one gently climb never exceeding 175 feet above sea level. Visit the Course Map page for more details.