This was a 5k night run at Kualoa Ranch. Some people (probably because they didn't read the…read moreinstructions didn't register) didn't get a headlight. If you didn't have a light, it probably was a little more challenging as this was at night, hence the name "Nite Run." Right from the start one of our friends got injured as she didn't see the cattle guard and her foot went through the metal bars making a huge bump on her shin. What was messed up was that the other cattle guards were coned off to avoid them and to go around but not the first one. I felt bad for her but when she said she was going to suck it up and still do it I kicked some dirt on her and said see you at the finish line. I'm joking, I just kicked some dirt on her. Like I said the run was a 5k. It was for the most part on a dirt roadway. There was a pretty steep part that kind of kicked my butt. I thought I was going up Koko Head for a minute. Argh, Kill me now! lol They said there were supposed to be some kind of brain test or something as well as strength test which they had. I believe they went over the question and what the correct answer was supposed to be but what looked like a place they might have had someone asking you a question, there was no one, no one anywhere which was a little disappointing. Maybe next time they will have something. Another thing that was disappointing was that you didn't have to do the strength test and made it optional. One was you had to grab a sandbag (maybe around 10lbs) and carry it and go under a couple of beams. Next one was walking on rope (around 20'). It did get bottle necked as some people took forever to cross and when some fell they ran back and tried again. The wait time was around 12 minutes or so. They had at least 5 different lines. They also had another type of obstacle course... If you remember the movie Pretty Woman when they were on the Polo Field and the announcer says to "avoid the Steaming Divot." That's right, there were horse manure here and there that you had to hopscotch around. As most know Jurassic Park was filmed there and one part of the course you could hear dinosaurs in the background. Just thought that was cool of them. Maybe if one came out I would of ran faster. I heard that they ran out of some headlamps and t-shirts but was able to get more by the time people finished. Water stations were around the course. Free water, gatorade. At the end they brought out some free desserts. Had a couple of food vendors, music, Mc, and acrobatic act. Pretty fun event, especially when doing it with cool people.

Recently did the "Nite Run" at Kualua Ranch. I have to say, I LOVED it! It was not only fun (at…read morenight! Headlamps! Costume contest! Obstacles! Cows mooing LOL!) BUT it was pretty tough!! After doing the Glow Hawaii Run the night before (easy, shorter than advertised) it was nice to be able to really push myself and race. The trail was mostly dirt road but there were areas that were gravel road, grassy areas,etc. Started up a hill, did an obstacle, more killer hill, followed by another hill. Didn't expect that! Race was also longer than a 5k, didn't expect that either LOL! ;) There were a few cow patties and cattle gates so just trying not to break an ankle kept me really paying attention to where my feet were LOL. The whole set up was great. Great food venders, plenty of potties, easy packet pickup and we parked pretty close to the race area so heading back to the car was easy if you needed to put stuff away. NO FEE for parking. Loved that too. So many races make you park far away, pay for parking, pay to "store" your stuff they give you at the race,etc. I loved that I didn't feel nickel and dimed for this event. I purchased it as a Living Social deal and it was easy-peasy to get my tshirt, headlamp and number. LOVED that we were all chipped, gave me more incentive to run and try to get a decent time. They did run out of headlamps w/batteries (LOL) but we got there early so we got ones w/batteries. I'd definitely do this race again. I can't wait until they plan another one!!

Pros: 1. Course had mile markers and six passes at aid…read morestations that had water and Gatorade 2. Orange cones throughout course but only one to distinguish between the three distances 3. One stretch along diamond head that showed the beach, one inland 4. Aid station volunteers were helpful 5. Times race with early enough time before it got hot and humid (5:30 start) for half 6. Plenty of police to guide the route and stop cars and even an escort at the head 7. A tiny metal turtle luck charm 8. Orange slices and pocari sweat at the finish 9. Big cheers at the sprint finish! Cons: 1. Mostly through residential streets so not much to see in terms of scenery. Quite a boring course. A trail half here would be awesome. 3. No snacks at aid stations 4. Quiet race. No music at the start at the park and minimal support throughout race but quite zen so it's fine 5. Thin race shirt worse quality than 3 dollar swap meet. Just super thin cotton with white print. No thought into design. 6. Basic print medal usually reserved for low end races that cost 35 bucks in Cali. The medals looking at from 10 years ago looked best with an actual flower shape and well designed. It'd have been much better to do one thing well, like a good medal, than to do many of the other things poorly, crap shirt, crap medal, crap stations, crap mc. 7. There really wasn't an expo as only one local run shop showed up, the run lab and some old swag from previous races for sale. I'd much prefer a trail race through the mountains inland with views at the top. This one needed a much better course. This one had 400 feet of vert but a really flat vibe

This run course is nice bc it's Hawaii. The event is very unprofessional. Their site states that…read morefamily/friends can track the runners but there was no such tracking device on the runners and nobody knew until I asked around. Event lady stopped the music to find out if aid station workers showed up. As finishers arrived, nobody knew if they were 5mi, 15k or half marathon finishers. We were all confused. Maybe they should have different bib colors? Or even some commentating? The lady had no music, barely said anything to acknowledge the finishers and after finishers, the park was underwhelming. People got Gatorade or water and then went home. It was so silent, no music or much going on.. Also, that event lady said very little for like 40 min and then emphasized that only racers eat the snacks and throw your trash in the trash cans. That was it. I think she's raking in the money at over 100 dollars per racer at about 1,000 running it, it's a racket. Unorganized and yellow shirts about being mean and now I know why. She does three of these events. You'd think by now she would have it dialed in.

Just ran the 2012 Xterra Trail World Championship on Sunday, 12/2/2012. Had I known that this trail…read morerace was as amazing and scenic, as well as hardcore, I would have probably said no. Then again, with my extensive marathon resume and my curiosity for adventure and just for something to do on a Sunday, I signed up for this race in mid October not knowing what to really expect. At least it was a half marathon I told myself. 13.1 miles of rugged terrain in the lush valleys of Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu, a place where I haven't ever been, except passing by on Kamehameha Hwy on the way north to Laie and Polynesian Cultural Center. It was the first time running this race and my first trail experience in Hawaii. After tackling a 50K trail in Colorado in September (Bear Chase 50K in Lakewood, CO), I kind of knew what I was getting into. Well, not so much after all, it seemed. Maybe I probably should have known better, but surprises were out there for us all on the course. I didn't want to pay $25 for the private shuttle that the race provided, which was basically a rented yellow school bus. They shuttled runners from Waikiki to the race start at the backside of Kualoa Ranch. I got here by city bus, which is really affordable if you just plan ahead. The Xterra World Championship boasts the 21K / Half Marathon as its marquee event, attracting some of the most finest trail runner elites from all parts of the country. They also have a 10K, 5K, and an adventure walk that attracts anyone and everyone to Kualoa Ranch for an epic Sunday. Race registration hovers from $40-$55, so if you want the challenge, might as well register early. I held out and had to pony up for the later fee. It's bittersweet that I have signed up for this race, since the course was just as brutal as the majestic scenery that was the Koolau Mountains that surrounded Kualoa Ranch. It was great that I can notch another half marathon to my list of races, but at the cost of having virtually no trail experience whatsoever and my body and legs are telling me so. The course was basically mostly uphill and the first mile ascended like a bat out of hell and it didn't really flatten out till those grassy downhills at mile 2. There were some reprieve in the course where it kinda did flatten to moderate downhill, which was miles 5-7, but that was it. We climbed back up at mile 8 and snaked through the back of Kualoa Ranch. The biggest surprise was the massive hill at mile 10 and the rugged tippy toe über crazy down hill that you could not even really run, due to it being so crazy you may fall and roll off into the ravine. This part scared me, but I managed to get down one way or another and those ropes helped a lot! It helps also that Xterra allows everyone in, not just elites, so I could have help on the course, if I needed it. The last. 2.5 miles snaked around miles 3-5 of the course and it was a soft downhill to the finish line. Never in my life that I experienced something so powerful and epic that I would consider something like that next year. Maybe maybe not. Thanks to Xterra for keeping the finish line open for the last finisher. Met new friends and 2 yelpers that morning too. It was awesome to see Yelper Zar N. running the 10K and meeting Yelper Chris P. from Kapolei. Big thanks to Chris P. and her husband whom gave me a ride back to UH from Kualoa Ranch that afternoon. I thought of DNF when I came across that tiptoe section of mile 10-ish and I just wanted to cry. Knowing that I paid money for this made me realize that I can do this if I just break it all down and take each step one step at a time. The finish time didn't matter that day. What mattered was that I completed the course and survived. Run more! B+

Not a runner at all, but saw that they offered the option to walk the 5k or even just take an…read moreadventure tour, I signed up the hubs and daughter just so we could check out the trails that aren't open to the public. Big props to the race organizers for making everything so easy, from picking up the packet in Waikiki to finding parking on the day of the race! My daughter wasn't happy about waking up so early to get to Kualoa Ranch, but once we got on the trail with the magnificent landscape and cool movie set locations, she was smiling from ear to ear. The Boneyard, with huge skeletons of a triceratops and ape skull, will definitely cut into your race times because you'll want to stop to take pictures! The 5k trail can be a little demanding on the uphill sections but those are few and far between - you'll have enough time to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. I saw several racers with babies on their backs and little ones in tow, so you can definitely do this with kids. Highly recommend this race - great activity if you've got guests on island at the time!

Race organizers do not communicate well and do not respond or call back to your inquiries. This…read morecomment is not on the race itself or the experience. The course has always been fun.

The Hapalua - Hawaii's Half Marathon…read more I recommend this half marathon for beginners, intermediates, and even running pros because it's fun. This marathon is well organized and a big thank you to all the volunteers. The race starts at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, heads past the Convention Center, and ends at Kapiolani Park (near the zoo). The course if fairly flat until you get to mile 10, which is uphill towards Diamond Head. I did this race with my wife and her family, which made the race even more special. Because the race was out and back, we're also able to see each other throughout the race. I had a "good for me" pace going until the one of the runners in front of me stopped and I literally ran her over. She was okay and was not injured, but still I felt bad. She wanted to wait for her husband, and I waited with her. I'm not going to lie; this was my excuse to take a breather. After exactly 8 minutes (felt like 20 minutes), we were both back to running. Everything was smooth until miles 10 to 12 when the course is mostly uphill. This was a beast and a lot of people, including me, walked it. I found myself walking majority of miles 11 to 13 and remember that runner I accidentally knocked over? Well, she ran past me on mile 11. Medals are earned and given immediately after the finish line. After the finish line is a cold shower, which I have never seen at a race before. Post race fuel includes malasada, moon pies, bananas, wafers, gels, and water. Huge plus! Overall, great race. I'd do it again.

Crazy awesome people go to this clinic and become even better people for it! Everyone of the…read morevolunteers are so friendly and I met some of my favorite people running with them! They are always pushing there members to try there best and I love that, Helps me stay motivated. The scenery of the runs is unbeatable and are filled with tons of volunteers also willing to help you. It cost 5$ to enter the race which isn't too bad and if you are trained for it its a blast! Try to meet as many people as you can because for some strange reason people that run are always pretty successful in life!

I was headed to Hawaii for thanksgiving this year and what better way to start my eating marathon…read moreduring my stay then to run the turkey trot! The turkey trots are usually short races, and i'm glad to find that this one is 10 miles long, in the beautiful and scenic kapiolani park/ diamond head road. Participants are encouraged to arrive at the Kapiolani Park bandstand by 6:30 am to sign a waiver & to register. No you can't register on line. You simply just show up on race day! Sooooo hawaii, right? And even better, it only costs $3 to participate. The winner isn't necessarily the person who finishes the race first, it's the person that comes closest to their predicted time. You get a popsicle stick at the start of the race, where you write you "predicted time" of finishing the race, down to the second. When you cross the finish line, they'll time you, and write down your actual time. The whole purpose of the race is to train for a full marathon. Apparently the first 10 miles of a full marathon really helps set up the pace for the last 6 miles, so it's important to pace yourself so you don't burn out in the final miles. The downside of the race is you're not suppose to wear headphones (prevents cheating, ie the nike + that gives you your average pace, distance, etc & for safety reasons), and of course the hot weather. I mean you start the race at around 7:15ish after everyone is registered, but even so early in the am, the weather in hawaii is a lot warmer than in california, so make sure you stay hydrated and adapt to the weather if you aren't used to running in hotter climates. In addition, the race route is announced on race day, so that it gives everyone a fair chance. Overall, i thought the race was challenging enough. This years race at two steadily rising inclines, on diamond head road. The lack of sleep + hot climate made for a tough 10 miles. Not to mention there were only 3 water stops. So I would recommend to bring your own water unless you don't plan to drink much. The scenic view & lookout points that we ran across during the race was absolutely gorgeous. It was an amazing experience and I'd totally do it again. Congrats to the Marathon clinic for an awesome experience. Mahalo!

After completing the Kapilina NiteRun earlier this summer, I got emails about the Kailua NiteRun…read morehappening on October 10, 2015. Since I didn't want to pay to actually run the 5k, I decided to volunteer instead. I eagerly signed up to volunteer from 4pm to 9pm as a Family Fun Fair Attendant. As a volunteer, it was pretty unorganized. They didn't have any work available so they had us sit around for a substantial amount of time. I even asked if I could grab a bite nearby and come back! Even after being gone for more than 30 minutes, still no work. LOCATION/PARKING: The run was held at Kawainui Marsh (the closest address is 910 Kailua Road). They had tents set up for easy spotting! Parking available on the streets or at Kailua High School. Shuttle buses were available to bring runners to the start line from Kaiser High School. ACTIVITIES/VENDORS: This particular NiteRun does not have all the vendors and inflatables like Kaka'ako, Kapilina or Haleiwa! Many people were disappointed in this. However, DNLR does not allow much on their protected lands. They did however have Jamba Juice and Coca Cola, free smoothies/coffee/Powerade/coconut water/Honest Tea, etc. Informal costume contest at the end of the run! RACE INFO: If you're running no need to come really early but if you haven't already picked up your packet before race day, come a little earlier so you can put your packet away! They don't really hold anything for you! You receive a free headlamp with entry and some coupons for Sports Authority and Jamba Juice! Race length is 5k or 3.1 miles! Not officially timed (no timing chips). Run begins once it gets dark and often starts later than scheduled. :( On this particular route, be sure to have enough lights! You run along the marsh, partly on the pavement and a good amount of time on gravel! Since it wasn't busy, the volunteer coordinator let me run! Let me tell you, running on gravel with little to no light is worse than walking in heels! Wobble this way, wobble that way! Just be careful. People are running with costumes and everyone is soooo friendly! I kept pace with several guys and they were cheering everyone on! How do you talk and run at less than an 8 min mile pace! Gah I'm panting! And of course, I try to not sound like a gorilla so I'm breathing quietly as I pass people and as soon as I'm a good distance away, GASP FOR AIR PLEASE! Inhale like there's no tomorrow! SNACKS: Grab more Jamba Juice smoothies or Coca Cola products to replenish your energy stores after the run! Muffins, oranges, bananas, trail mix, and cookies were available also! Nom nom nom. Especially when you're panting because you're so out of shape that a 5k makes your squirm. PRICING: Entry fees are $39.50 for adults, $25.50 for children ages 10-17. Same day registration is $49.50. Save $10 if you are a student, military, or HGEA member! Look on Groupon for specials to save money too for individuals like me who are too old to be considered a child, is unfortunately a wannabe student, is to weak-minded to be in the military and I don't even know what HGEA is. Time to Google! RANDOM FACTS: Each NiteRun benefits a different organization. This particular run benefitted the Boy & Girls Club of Hawaii - Windward. Come to the next event, Haleiwa NiteRun, on December 19, 2015 at the Haleiwa Beach park! This one should have all the festivities! Any takers?! :D

5k fun run in dark, lit by glowsticks? Sign me up!…read more I couldn't make either packet pickup and arrived an hour ahead for late packet pickup. I was surprised to find no line, just walked right up, signed the waiver on an iPad, and had my bad and t-shirt within a couple of minutes. It was smooth, definitely something other events could replicate. I walked around the fair / market for a bit. Luckily, I had come early because traffic was looking like a mess. The start was a bit confusing though - everyone had naturally lined up at the starting gate, then we were moved towards the mauka side near the stage. I couldn't hear anything, then we all started walking back to where we were...then right out of the road! The course map then made sense - we walked across the street to another starting area, complete with an inflatable arch and tents. It was dark by the time we started, which was good. It kind of lost steam though. The first part of an event is usually energy charged and exciting, this one wasn't. A few people were commenting on this, but oh well. We were off! I heard about the Seattle night run and was expecting some strobes, flashing lights, or something. The course was mostly just a jog in the night, with an occasional halogen light. The aid station at the halfway point was nice though, plenty of volunteers, a band, lots of cold water. The cold water was welcome - and full bottles of water! Think that's the first time I've seen that at an aid station. Then, just the light jog back. I was expecting a small congregation, but most people just walked back. I'm guessing there were 200 people, mostly teens (fitting though, given all the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club). Was a cool idea and if they could find out a way to pump some more energy in it, might go again.

2025 is in the Record Books. Pouring rain. Flooded streets. Great vibes from spectators cheering us…read moreon and having great homemade signs along the way. Finished the 10K in 2:03:59 official time. Not bad. Great merchandising and marketing. I'm planning to return next year. This time I think I have family running with me.

Just ran the Honolulu marathon with some friends. We traveled far for this race and it was the most…read moredisorganized marathon we ran so far. From the expo which doesn't do justice to the size of the race, to the organizers NOT planning for rain at the end of the race, and telling runners to move as quickly as possible after running 26.2 miles. Are you all ok? Runners need to stop and rest for a bit, drink water, get some food and then they can leave. This was an absolutely mess in the rain and the most unkind people kicking out of tents with nowhere to go except the rain. This marathon has NO views either, just run around city and neighborhoods which was disappointing. We were expecting to have as many views as possible and run by the ocean. Regardless of what the reviews say, we wont recommend it until organizers think of the runners and not themselves

Yelp 365 Challenge #122/365…read more After the Great Aloha Run, I had the insane idea to sign up for another run...the 15th Annual Ford Island Bridge Run, which is only 6.2 miles. I figure I would train on the days that I don't attend TRX classes by running around my neighborhood. However, there are times when plans don't go according to your agenda especially for me. And I have that type of personality where it grates on my nerves and it will gnaw at me for days afterwards. For instance, the past three weeks-I haven't been up to par in health. In fact, my coughing is still here but not as bad as before. I've only returned to TRX classes last Thursday. So, for me to expect to do my best on race day...I was setting myself up to having too much of high expectations. Nevertheless, I still got up early plus I was using my running clothes--so all I had to do was put on my contacts, brush my hair, and brush my teeth. Drove to the stadium but the gates weren't open yet, so I drove to SackNSave to pick up bananas and water. Parked in the Aloha Stadium overflow parking lot and ate a banana (I should have ate more as well as whole wheat bread but I didn't). Drank some water and by 6:15, I decided to walk across to Richardson Field and waited with the rest of the runners/walkers to be instructed to line up at the start line. I stretched... Observed... Took pics of my shoes and surroundings... Waved hi to a few co-workers and silently prayed while reminding myself to pace myself. 7:00AM (It begins) Ran slowly on the bridge....first HILL (I HATE HILLS) Off the bridge and rounded the corner to the first mile marker and noticing in the far distance...the runners that were ELITE RUNNERS passing the four / five mile MARKER. And this is what happened... I allowed discouragement to set in...(bad thing for me to do) By the three mile marker...my stomach started burning because I burned up that LITTLE APPLE BANANA, which I had to slow my run down to where I decided to walk for my body to adjust. However, I was allowing myself to notice other people especially walkers pass by me. So, I started jogging really slow. This is when the sun came out from the clouds and blast me with its rays (good thing I had a bottle water). Another thing that slowed me down, (my fault!) was the fact that I was taking in all the historic building surroundings as well as making a note to go to Pacific Aviation to check out the planes! The water stations were at perfect intervals but it was luke warm water. However, thank you to the volunteers who were quickly handing out waters and cheering us on. As we rounded the last circle before heading back to the bridge, I noticed that some cars were impatient and attempting to drive in the midst of runners (boo!) Finally, the bridge loomed ahead and at first I was jog/walking behind other walkers before realizing that I am able to run around them. There were the camera people waiting to take pictures but um...NO, I was actually becoming grouchy because I swear...I hate hills. I had to run the hills on the bridge...then I had to run up the hill to round the corner to get to Richardson Field. I was not a happy person because I allowed discouragement to get the better of me. I was that irritated at everything, that I decided to sprint it just to get it over and done with. The finishing time on the clock was 1:43:36, however, official time was 1:43:00 (I made it under two hours, thank God). But, like a petulant child after accomplishing something, I just headed to the table that was offering water and gatorade. I grabbed my bottles and watched the awards ceremony. Megan Clark (my trainer) at SOHI Fitness placed THIRD for OVERALL WOMEN in this event. How cool is that? Plus, the trophies were koa wood (I think). There was some entertainment afterwards but I didn't stay. I chose to pick up my grandson and rest for the remainder of the day. Overall experience, it was a good run. It would have been a BETTER RUN if I did the following: 1) Eat a little more before the race 2) Understand that because I was just getting over being sick...my timing will be all right 3) Don't look ahead to see the elite runners and get discouraged because after all, I am running for me and no one else... 4) To remember to take my inhaler before stepping out of the car 5) TO HAVE FUN Will I do this one again next year? I think so.

What a fun event! Parking was a bit of a headache so next year I'd go a little earlier. Weather…read morelooked dreary but ended up being just perfect; a little sunny then overcast. The run takes you through all the historical buildings; by the bowfin, behind the air museum and down and around the runway back up and through the renovated living quarters. Everyone was so lighthearted and friendly which made the run really fun. The best thing, though, were the snacks at the end of the run. After making the tredge back up&over the bridge, meadow gold trucks were waiting to pass out popsicles, milk, yogurt &cottage cheese. What a treat. I'd definitely do this run again.

A series of 5 races in preparation for the Honolulu Marathon. Races for 2010 included:…read more Anthony L Pace, Realtor 15K - 8/15/10 Runner's HI 20K - 9/5/10 Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher 25K - 9/25/10 PF Chang's 30K - 10/24/10 Saucony Half Marathon - 7/7/10 This is my first time joining this series and I felt that the routes chosen and the timing and spacing of these preparation races were awesome. The sponsors, Recovery e21, did a really awesome job planning, mapping and routing these preparation races. For the Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher 25K race, due to another event taking place at one of the sites, the 808 Race Hawaii Readiness team rerouted the course just a week before the race. Awesome last-minute planning!! On the day of the race, things went very well and smoothly and without any complications! Unfortunately for me, I did not register for these races early in advance to take advantage of the package deal, that included all the races at a discounted price. I ended up playing the late registration fees, which added up to quite a bit of money! Next year, I will have to plan better, myself!

We are running all 50 states for our medal collection, decided to chose Val Nolasco half in Hawaii…read more Tough course but we were so happy to finish it and get our participant medal only to find out there is no medal this year! (Not obvious on the signup) when my wife asked an 808 staff member about the medals the woman said "sad! You mean to tell me you only run for the medals?" Perhaps, a little more sympathy would have been appreciated. Lesson learned, this is a race to do if you don't care about the bling and want a crappy T-shirt.