Wednesday, February 13, 2008

March Madness....Let the Insanity begin

In a marathoner/endurance runner's version of doing the total 'dream weekend' there's only two weekends that really come to mind: the Martin Luther King, Jr weekend, when the annual HURT 100 is put on; and the weekend of March 15-16, 2008 when the Run to the Sun and the Hilo marathon have been scheduled on back-to-back days (quite a rare event)!
A group of our intrepid and daring Runners' HI/HI Marathon Maniacs have stepped up to bat, errr..., the starting line to attempt what may seem total luncracy!!! Here's a small preview of this psychotic weekend of pain & glory:

DAY 1: Saturday, March 15th


EVENT: 2008 Run-to-the-Sun

START TIME: 4:30 AM!!!


A 36-mile ultra marathon starting at sea level and climbing to the 10,023 ft. summit of Haleakala, legendary "Home of the Sun." This challenging course, is not for the novice marathoner. entrants must be 18 years or older and rigorously prepared to meet the challenge of the strict 10-hour time limit.



You can view the website here, along with links to the list of entrants, placement of aid stations, and other pertient race forms.


DAY 2: March 16th


EVENT: 2008 Big Island (Hilo) International Marathon

This certified, scenic course follows "the coast of old Hawaii" along the Pacific Ocean, past exotic waterfalls, over narrow bridges and lava beaches. Start to mile 10 is a net downhill of 500 ft., with some hills in the first 8 miles but fairly flat after that.
Hilo is located in one of the cooler, more lush parts of the "Big Island" of Hawaii, which translates into good running conditions.
Enthusiastic volunteers at well-stocked aid stations, awards given in various age groups, entertainment and great food at the Finish Line make this a memorable event for everyone.

Here's the link to the race site. There's also a 10.8-mile run and 5k run/walk events as well!

The training's begun and many have already wondered what'll be like come that weekend! FUN! FUN! FUN! Hope our van driver has those IV's and shots of tequila ready!






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