I posted this same post on my other blog, but definitely wanted it here too!
Sunday, December 8th, was the 41st Honolulu Marathon. Last week I visited the Marathon Expo and was really sad that I wasn't going to be running on Sunday. I definitely am not trained for that distance and currently have an injured hamstring, so there was no way - even though I could have registered as late as Saturday. I enjoyed seeing a marathon from a different viewpoint - that of a spectator.
Les was also involved in the marathon - as part of the cycling wheelchair escort team. The "wheelers" go out at 4:55 a.m. - five minutes before the runners. It is very dark and since they sit low to the ground, they could easily get hit or hit pedestrians. Roads are blocked, but pedestrians are everywhere.
The cycling crew wore official "Course Marshall" badges, with reflective vests and whistles. They also had at least two lights in the front and two in the back of their bikes to help the wheelers see. Their role is important and they all take it very seriously.
Les left the condo at 4:00 to meet up with the team and I wasn't far behind him. The start line was one mile from our condo and I walked with hundreds of runners as they were making their way to the start. Over 30,000 were registered and more than 22,000 runners finished the 26.2 mile course.
I got to the start line just as the national anthem was sung and I heard "The wheelers are off!" After an impressive display of fireworks at 5:00 a.m. the runners were off.
There is also a "Race Day Walk" that starts just after all the runners are on the course. It is a 10K. I couldn't find any numbers on it, but it looked like several thousand were participating in this event as well.
The course did a four mile loop away from Waikiki before heading towards Diamond Head. I hurried to the point where they would loop back around and just as I did I heard whistles. The first of the wheelers were there and so was Les! They were gone in a fast blur!
As I was making my way to Waikiki, there were some areas where spectators were sparse. At about mile five I took this video. The important part is the sound - that of hundreds of pounding feet. I wanted to jump in the group and run with them!!
The main strip of Waikiki was thumping!! Crowds were cheering loudly. So exciting for the runners. A bag piper was playing "Amazing Grace." And volunteers were handing out water.
I got the finish line about 10 minutes before the champion wheeler came in at 1:31:14!
The cyclists were to leave the course at the Kapiolani Park fountain, allowing the wheelers to cross the finish line alone. I got down there about 5 minutes before Les came in with his wheeler, the third place finisher. The cyclists were pumped! They loved participating in this way. Our friend Ray said it best, "I just wish we didn't have to wait another year to do this again."
We didn't have long to wait for the winner to come in at 2:18:47 - averaging 5 minutes and 18 seconds a mile!
Placing 13th overall was the top female finisher. She came in at 2:36:02. The ladies had a very tight finish with second coming in at 2:36:10 and third at 2:36:13!
The sun finally slipped over Diamond Head.
I watched as more runners came in, then decided it was time to head home for breakfast. Runners were still making their way towards Diamond Head. They had gone seven miles with many more ahead of them. I saw these two fire fighters in full gear, including their air tanks. Yes, they told me, they were running/walking the entire course - proving once again that first responders are top notch!
If you've ever considered running, walking, or riding in an organized event - go see one! Check out a local 5K or a full marathon. You will be so inspired! There are people of every shape and size, super fast to very slow, but they are all making their way to the finish line and that makes them winners.
Honolulu Marathon - December 14, 2014 - Anyone want to join me??
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