Big Island International Marathon

Big Island International Marathon is Hawaii's oldest marathon, according to the official race site, and it anchors a Hilo race weekend with a half marathon, relay, 10K, and 5K. It is a road race with a local feel rather than a resort showcase, mixing bayfront roads, coastal neighborhoods, and longer exposed sections.

The full marathon starts and finishes at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The current temporary course, used while Singing Bridge construction continues, sends runners through Bayfront Park, out toward the old mac nut farms and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden turnaround, then back through Banyan Drive and the Kalanianaole stretch. Expect a road course with multiple out-and-backs and long sections where rhythm matters more than crowd support.

March in Hilo is usually warm, humid, and changeable. Early miles can feel manageable, but humidity, sun, and passing showers can all show up on the same morning, so pacing and hydration matter more than the modest elevation profile.