Honolulu Marathon (December 12, 2010)

Honolulu's Marathon is The Event of the year here with about 30,000 participants from around the world. Believe it or not, it starts as early as 5 o'clock in the morning with fireworks. And, Yes, we did get up that early to see the runners start their race with enthusiasm, laughter and good spirits. Many participants dress up to complete the race and the atmosphere is very festive. Even newly weds run !

 Below is the video of the first Runners, they are all Africans, they start really strongly and finish first, too...

The organization is massive and you can see tents at the finish line, where you have showers, massages, food, drinks, first aid to treat all the pains...
 

 

The fastest runner finished the race in 2h27 minutes and for many others 7 hours later. Participants were still arriving steadily, one after the other, for some, hands in hands, some limping, some crying, some laughing. The emotions were high, but everybody seemed relieved and thrilled to have completed the race. It is always truly amazing that people can walk or run 42 kms (26 miles), no matter at what pace, what age ! Truly inspiring !