Perhaps one of the most inspiring and challenging Hawai`i marathons was the Volcano marathon, which was part of a set of Wilderness runs set within the Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai`i. Usually taking place in late July, our Ohana have always made it a point to take part in this event and enjoying the unique view and atmosphere. Deemed as 'one of the hardest marathons in the world', the most common advice given when new runners signed up was to 'add an hour to your usual marathon time'.
As this year's event date loomed, eruptions and lava flows began to form about the Pu`u O`o vent around late February. A day after the Hilo Marathon, the vent 'exploded' sending clouds of ash and an almost constant plume of smog into the air. The 'vog' created some concern about whether the race could continue, though there was also the unpredictability over a possible second 'eruption'.
During the Kona marathon in late June, further news had spread that another roadblock for the Volcano events was surfacing. A native Hawaiian group had voiced concerns about the amount the runs possibly causing harm to cultural sites. Moreover they believed that runners 'disrespected' the sanctity of the park. Continual debates created uncertainty for the future of this event, as even a drastic change in the route prompted many to not enter the event (no more treks into the lava fields).
Unhindered by the news of the event, the Ohana planned for the event and made their way up to Volcano National Park the day before with plans of having a relaxing fun evening both before and after the race(s). While awaiting the departure of our flight, Mark E and I convinced Frayed Laces to 'upgrade' from the 10-miler to the marathon. It didn't take to many 'pulled strings' to get her hooked as within two minutes we were informing all that she would doing her first marathon since her broken pelvis injury.
On Saturday (7/26), fifteen of the Ohana (including those from the Hilo Bayfront Runners) took part in what many were hypothesizing to be the last Volcano marathon. The route was an out-and-back course, taking runners through the pristine rainforests that populate the high elevations and descending to the fringes of the Ka`u Desert. Thereafter, entrants were directed back up the road and ascended Escape Road, a 2+ mile high grade jeep (dirt) trail through the rainforest.
In evaluating the 'new' course, it was found that it was actually 27+ miles! There was mixed emotions over the route with some wondering if this would be the permanent change. Several Ohana felt that this was a very challenging course and though the feeling of running in the lava field was missing, just taking part in this event was more than a reward.
In the end, the race director 'Big Dog' Joseph sadly reported a few weeks later that during very frustrating conversations with both the park administrators and cultural liaisons from the Hawaiian group, that this was indeed the last Volcano run. Many in the gang felt the sad loss as this was not only a very special event for its locality but also for its unique experience. Not only is this a loss for the running community, but also for Hawai`i's economic/tourism as the event brought in a very generous amount of mainland visitors.
The end of the year marked a very important time for many in the Ohana. Several ran their first marathon in Honolulu all finishing and having a very memorable experience that they'll always cherish. Congrats to Lei, Alison, Marge E., Vera, Rae, Gene and Matt!
Several of the Ohana also took a quick trip the weekend prior to run on the mainland U.S. in either the Las Vegas or California International (Sacramento) marathons in attempts to either qualify for the Boston marathon, gain Marathon Maniac status, or both. The Queen, Frayed Laces, Shelley, Jerelyn, and Joe in becoming Hawaiianiacs during this two weekend marathon spree!!! Much mahalos to Maniacles and his wife for coordinating our first pre-marathon party at Buca de Beppo where the Prez and srlopez attended with many of the Hawaii Maniacs. 
