Honolulu Marathon 2008, another year in the books

For the second year in a row, those participating in the annual Honolulu Marathon saw the race begin in very wet conditions as heavy rains soaked the island well into the morning. Though the sun did manage be peak through the clouds about 8am, it was a very overcast and challenging race. Despite the economic crunch, two recent cases of doping, and a glitch in last year's timing process, a crowd of approximately 23,000 strong register to run the race.

Through the intermittent rains that often became quite heavy, an obstacle course of water puddles, soaked discarded clothes and trash bags, and various injuries (including a injured foot tendon and several blisters) as well as many 'bonking', the entire Ohana completed the marathon.

Congrats to our former marathon rookies! As Frayed Laces put, you've popped your marathon cherry!

Marge - 4:22:35

Lei - 5:32:04

Alison - 6:16:43

Vera - 5:18:17

Rae - 4:37:54

Noelle - ??

Gene - 5:22:38

All were very ecstatic about finishing and seemed optimisitic about running another marathon (some more than others) in the very near future! Great job all, you all persevered! Now enjoy the moment cause you're now officially marathoners!

Several of the gang also became Marathon Maniacs with the completion of today's race, having completed either the Las Vegas or California International Marathon last weekend:

Frayed Laces - 4:33:21

the Queen (Hilo) - 5:16:53

Jerelyn B. - 5:38:54

Shelley C. - 5:38:29

FL reported has already submitted her app to become part of the 'Insane Asylum', with the other ladies no doubtely doing the same within the week!

For the rest of us it was anther marathon and doing what we've done every year.

Steve P. (Hilo) - 4:04:49

Greg (Hilo) - 5:11:39

DJ (Hilo) - 4:57:21

Betty (Hilo) - 5:54:24

Lee (Hilo) - 5:59:55

Harvey (Hilo) 5:50:34

Bob - 6:12:09

Roy - 5:44:55 (Heather wore him out!)

Maniacles - 4:00:12

Mike P - 5:40:08

Glen - 4:05:37

Roger - 5:13:34

Mark 'da Rock' - 4:03:16

Jeff F. - 3:32:53

'Maverick' Nakasone - 3:46:43

Gio - 4:19:44

Freddy - 3:48:00

Alfredo 'da Man' - 4:59:11

Heather - 5:44:58

Johnny 'Shaka' - 3:27:51

WWI (Wyatt) - 3:54:52

Jay K. - 3:22:45

Timm 'one oversized Menehune' - 4:53:15

Joe - 3:59:17

Matt - 4:53:45

Mike 'Smooth' G. - 3:58:22 (PR!!!)

Habu - 4:32:15

Carole - 3:44:10

Doug T. - 3:57:53

da Cos - 3:30:57

John S. - 6:27:12 (finished despite a bad leg injury!! way to go!)

Reed - 3:44:19

Brenda - ??

Ray - 4:08:08

Wily Coyote/WWII - 5:33:09 (slept in late and got to the start 45 minutes after everyone left!)

Much aloha to Lynda and Anne as they battled the flu and injury, respectively, and could not enjoy in today's fun. Get better soon!

As I cruised through the miles, I thought of the HM's I've done before and the various people I've met (Maniacles & Shaka probably have 10x's this), it was awesome not only seeing the spectacle of so many trudging through the miles but also seeing people I knew from either when I first started (Geoff H., Dr. P., John S.) to those who have recently began running with the Ohana (Mike P., Alison, Gene).

Much mahalos to Maniacles who looked up pretty much everyone's finishing times, and Laura for the photos (my disposable still needs to get developed)!

Congrats all in finishing despite the bad weather and the little 'tweaks' to our running plans that it caused! It's all about the finishing! Now on to 2009 and a new year in running! Have an awesome holiday season all! This Tuesday (12/16) will feature our second annual post-HM barbeque, with the following Tuesday being 'red & green' day along with the Runners' HI Christmas party! See you on the roads and trails!!!