The Kona Marathon and Family Runs were founded by Jim Lovell and Jon Kunitake in 1994 in order to revitalize running on the west side of the Big Island. Sunday, more than 1,600 runners will converge from 48 states and 11 countries for the 21st running of the event.
With no returning champions in the marathon field, the top titles are up for grabs in what is set to be an exciting day of action. If you can’t make it down to the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay to see the finish, West Hawaii Today has you covered.
Follow West Hawaii Today sports reporter Eric Knopsnyder and Kona Marathon on Twitter for race day updates.
Aloha Friday Run
The Kona Marathon events started with the Aloha Keiki Run on June 14, and the festivities continue with the Aloha Friday Run.
The event starts at the Kona Commons Shopping Center, with participants traveling to the Old Kona Airport Park Makaeo jogging path and then return to the shopping center. Aid stations are located halfway on the course and at the finish line.
Race day registration is $20.
2013 West Hawaii Today race coverage
- Aloha spirit alive and well at Kona Marathon
- Home cooking: Konawaena grad Allen Wagner takes home title
- Marathon partnership creates triple crown
- 2013 results
More past coverage
- Keiki run for fun
- High five: Justin Gillette wins fifth consecutive title at Kona Marathon
- Gillettes back to defend marathon titles
- Weiss running for a cause in Kona
- First-timer takes women’s race; Gillette wins fourth straight
Marathon course records
(1994-2012 course)
Male: 2001, Eddy Hellebuyck, 2:23:31
Female: 2008: Eri Okubo, 2:57:15
(2013 course)
Male: 2013, Allen Wager, 2:33:37
Female: 2013, Polina Babkina, 2:51,53
Half-marathon course records
(1994-2012 course)
Male: 1998: Jonathan Lyau, 1:12:14
Female: 1995, Darlene Mota, 1:16:57
(2013 course)
Male: 2013, Chris Gregory, 1:20:15
Female: 2013, Rani Henderson, 1:31:24
Road closures
Southbound lane closures will be in effect on Sunday during the Kona Marathon, which begins and ends in Keauhou.
The marathon begins at the Keauhou Shopping Center traffic signal on Alii Drive and ends at the Sheraton Kona & Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay.
The following lane closures will be in effect:
The southbound lane of Alii Drive, between Palani and Kamehameha III roads, will be closed between 5 a.m. and noon.
The southbound lane of Kuakini Highway, between Makala Boulevard and Palani Road, will be closed between 5 a.m. and noon.
The makai-bound lane of Makala Boulevard, between Queen Kaahumanu and Kuakini highways, will be closed between 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Queen Kaahumanu Highway will remain open in both directions during the race. However, the west shoulder will be coned off to separate runners from traffic. Motorists are advised to use caution.