Volcano Runs VOLCANO MARATHON 26.2 miles Start: 6 a.m.

2008 RACE UPDATE: The courses of the Kilauea Volcano Marathon and 10-Mile Rim Run have been changed for this July. The National Park Service agreed to reroute the two races in order to avoid any possible problems associated with the current volcanic activity at Halema'uma'u Crater. The course of the 5-Mile Kilauea Caldera Run & Walk will remain the same. Written descriptions and maps of the two new courses are now posted. As a result of the changes, all age group winners in this year's marathon and 10-mile run will be setting new course records.

Called one of the "world's toughest measured marathons," this race challenges the most advanced and hardy endurance runners. The course covers extremely rough and uneven terrain, starkly beautiful lava fields in the Ka'u Desert, and 1,000 foot elevation changes. Runners should have trained on trails or have participated in trail running events and be able to finish the marathon in 7 hours and 30 minutes. Add one hour to your best time to see if you can meet this requirement. All course marshalls and aid station volunteers will be released at 1:30 p.m. The marathon is limited to 225 participants, so register early to guarantee participation in the race. No walkers allowed.

Course Map NEW COURSE DESCRIPTION (updated for 2008): From the start line at Kilauea Military Camp, head east (clockwise) on Crater Rim Drive (paved) to the Volcano House, where course marshals direct runners to the Crater Rim Trail. Follow Crater Rim Trail past Kilauea Iki Overlook, where the first aid station is located. Turn right at Escape Road (unpaved), right onto Crater Rim Trail, and then left onto Chain of Craters Road (paved). At Hilina Pali Road (rough pavement, downhill), turn right and proceed to the turn-around point at Kipuka Nene (fire shed). Return uphill to Chain of Craters Road and turn right, then left into Mauna Ulu parking lot. Follow course marshals’ directions to Escape Road (unpaved, uphill) to Thurston Lava Tube. Last leg is along Crater Rim Trail (narrow, steep) to finish at Kilauea Military Camp.

Top Marathon Times (since the 2008 course change) MEN Alan Ryan 3:20:55 2008 WOMEN Amy Ray-McWhinney 4:09:29 2008 Timing by JTL Timing

Top 10 Best Marathon Times (since the 1991 course change) MEN Wes Kessenich 2:56:18 1991 Robert Standard 3:02:46 1993 Wes Kessenich 3:04:58 1994 Matt Stevens 3:07:51 2004 John R. Smith 3:09:14 2002 Clint Iizuka-Sheeley 3:09:47 2002 Benjamin Haber 3:11:53 1999 Michael Loney 3:12:53 1996 John R. Smith 3:14:19 2001 John R. Smith 3:14:24 2000    WOMEN Jodi Jackson 3:32:57 2001 Jeanne Wokash 3:33:41 1994 Susan Cordell 3:35:26 1997 Rachel Portner 3:38:26 1993 Jodi Jackson 3:39:46 2000 Rachel Portner 3:40:23 1992 Julie Anderson 3:41:17 1996 Rachel Portner 3:43:08 1995 Susan Cordell 3:43:19 1999 Rachel Portner 3:46:29 1998 Timing by JTL Timing