Big Island Maraton - Hilo Side, March 16 2025

Question

FYI: The marathon starts at 6 am at the Hilo Hawaiian, goes out to Richardson's Beach and back and goes up to the Bayfront Highway. It partly uses the highway, but also the 4 mile scenic route (old highway) by the Onomea Botanical Garden and turns around just past there and takes a similar way back, goes around Liliuokalani Gardens, goes back out to past Richardson's and returns to end on Banyan Drive.

Lihiwai Street will be closed to motor vehicles from 6 am to 1 pm

- copied.

Answer

The Big Island Marathon on the Hilo side on March 16, 2025, is set to be a scenic and well-organized event. The race starts at 6:00 AM at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and follows a route that combines local streets, scenic routes, and parts of the Bayfront Highway, making it both a challenging and picturesque course.

Race Route Details:

Start at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 6:00 AM.
Head out to Richardson's Beach and back.
Proceed up to Bayfront Highway, using part of the highway and the 4-mile scenic route (old highway) by Onomea Botanical Garden.
Turnaround point just past the scenic route and return via a similar path.
Route continues around Liliuokalani Gardens and back out past Richardson’s to finish on Banyan Drive.

Traffic and Road Closures:

Lihiwai Street will be closed to motor vehicles from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM on race day.
Participants and spectators should plan alternative routes if driving in the area during race hours.
Public parking near the start/finish may be limited, so early arrival or drop-off is recommended.

Additional Tips for Runners and Spectators:

Arrive early to allow time for registration check-in, warming up, and finding a good spectator spot.
Hydration stations are typically located along the course; check the official marathon map for exact locations.
Expect a mix of terrain — some sections on asphalt roads, some scenic route paths, so proper footwear is recommended.
Spectators can enjoy views of Hilo Bay, Richardson’s Beach, and Liliuokalani Gardens while watching the runners.
Weather in Hilo in March can be mild but may include light rain; dress accordingly.

Overall, this marathon provides a scenic tour of Hilo’s coastline and gardens while offering a challenging course for participants. Planning for road closures, parking, and weather will help ensure a smooth experience for both runners and spectators.