KAILUA-KONA — After a five-year hiatus, the beloved Kona Marathon is finally making its long-awaited comeback into the heart of Kona, bringing with it not only its signature 26.2-mile challenge, but also a variety of shorter races to welcome runners of all levels. Slated for June 21, this year’s event will once again feature a half marathon (13.1-miles), quarter marathon (6.55-miles) and 5K (3.1-miles) — each laced with the event’s unique coffee-themed flair.
With the last edition held in 2019, the return of the event has stirred excitement both across the island and for race director Brent Imonen, who has patiently waited for the right time to bring it back.
“I’m excited and I think that a good number of the athletes are excited about it returning to Kona,” Imonen said. “It’s been a long time and not only after COVID, but it’s also been gone from Waikoloa for a few years and so the running community seems to be very excited about it.”
As Imonen mentioned, a welcomed change for this year’s Kona Marathon is having the race return to Kailua-Kona. Thanks to a new partnership with host hotel, Royal Kona Resort and Spa, the location of the race will now resonate with its event name instead of its former Waikoloa setting. The new venue not only makes race-day logistics easier for runners and spectators, but it also brings back a touch of nostalgia — echoing the marathon’s early roots when it all began in Kailua-Kona in 1993.
“I think it’s important for events to contribute to the activities down in Kona,” Imonen said. “The feel and vibe of running on Alii Drive is different from anywhere else on the island as far as scenery, the heat, just the total experience is completely different and unique to that space. I think that from an athlete’s perspective, there’s lots of excitement and I’m hoping the business community is excited as we start to bring back more people to Kona as there’s been a lot of change that’s been happening down there. It’s a great opportunity and time to get back and move forward together.
While the event draws a loyal following of local runners, it’s also gaining traction from across the ocean. Current registrations are nearing the 700 mark with participants hailing from more than a dozen U.S. states, some traveling specifically to tackle the marathon course with its scenic routes and laid-back vibe. For many, it’s a chance to race in paradise, but for those here at home, it’s more personal with bragging rights on the line among Big Island’s best.
The Kona Marathon events will kick off early on race morning with all races starting and finishing at the Royal Kona Resort and Spa. The marathon begins at 5:30 a.m., the half marathon at 6 a.m., followed by the 5K at 6:45 a.m. and the quarter marathon at 7 a.m. All races will travel through the heart of Historic Kailua Village, toward Old Airport Park and then back along Alii Drive. The racecourse is both runner and walker friendly and will consist of flats as well as a few undulating hills along the looped scenic route.
Imonen said he felt appreciative by the outpour of support from businesses and community sponsors.
“UCC (Ueshima Coffee Company) Coffee was the first partner and one who has been involved from the very beginning,” Imonen said. “They are really happy to have it come back. Obviously, Kona Coffee is a big part of not only our community, but also our place in the world. Royal Kona Resort and Spa is now our hotel partner, they’ve been great to work with as they are trying to continue to build the growth they’ve had over the last few years. This goes hand in hand with our goals to grow the event over the next few years. I think we are starting off fresh and new again with the intent to have a great event and experience. I also would like to thank our other sponsors Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Kailua Village Business Improvement District, as well as our partnerships with Huggos, Coconut Grove Marketplace, and Big Island Running Company.”
Packet pickup and late registration will be at the Health and Fitness Fair held at Coconut Grove Marketplace on Friday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Health and Fitness Fair is free and open to the public. Registered participants will need a photo ID to pick up race numbers, timing chip and event bag. Anyone who still needs to register can do so at packet pickup or online at https://konamarathon.com/.
As for the future of the Kona Marathon, Imonen hopes to create momentum for many years to come.
“I just want to continue to build on a healthy, happy, successful event. Build the numbers, bring more people from Japan, contribute more to the local community and businesses, and create a bucket list event again.”
