Hilo trades resort polish for an old-coast course through rainforest, waterfalls, and wet ocean air. We run two out-and-backs from the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, and March temperatures around 19 to 26 degrees sound mild until the roughly 70% rain estimate matters. The marathon is Boston-qualifying, but elevation and the $150 entry remain placeholders. Partners get Volcanoes National Park nearby, though fewer beach-resort distractions than Kona or Poipu.
Better info coming — we're still verifying 5 fields on this race.
Why we'd pick it
- 280 m of climbing: rolling, not pancake-flat.
- Open registration — no lottery to lose.
- Race day usually sits 19–26°C, about 70% chance of rain.
The course
Two out-and-backs leave the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel for the old coastal road north of town, passing ocean, waterfalls, rainforest, and residential stretches before returning to Banyan Drive. Hilo rain is the defining variable rather than altitude. The route is certified, but the stored 280-meter gain and 90-meter high point are placeholders until a reliable 2027 elevation file is available.
