I was blessed to win a free race entry into the 2017 Honolulu Marathon via BibRave's BibChat. I was ecstatic to be able to run a dream race for free but until the flight was booked, I didn't believe I was going. Fast forward to arriving in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. Runners everywhere and full support from locals and businesses. The expo was huge, with more than likely 100 plus vendors and booths. Although it was a crazy day, everyone was welcoming, kind and helpful, was able to get in and out pretty quickly.

Race morning came early, last call for shuttle was at 4am, thankfully I was only about a mile away. The shuttles were organized, clean and quick. Music, eager runners and sprinklers, yes, the sprinklers came on while we were waiting. If you weren't awake before, you were after you got hit with cold water at 330am.

The start line was full of music, corrals and plenty of music. But it was at a park and the ground was really wet so step wrong and you step in a whole lot of mud. BUT you can't beat fireworks at your 5:00 am starting line.

The race itself was hot and humid from the get go until I got to about mile 10 where it started to pour down rain and got extremely windy. It was a nice cool down but have you ever tried to run a marathon where everything is soaked? It is not fun.

But wow was it worth it, the hills, oh man the hills. I was not prepared as I come from a completely flat city. At about mile 24 is when you hit Diamond Head and Honolulu's own "Heartbreak Hill" This hill was killer but a great accomplishment if you are able to push through and get over it. This course is mostly hills, not mostly flat. The locals come out though, there are people everywhere, cheering, playing music, providing food and beer (yes, there were some college guys offering beer right at "Heartbreak Hill"). There is also no time limit which was refreshing for a first timer like me. The finishing line was one big festival. They had malasades ready for all the runners which were delicious. Only complaint I would have for the finishing line was trying to find the booth to pick up our finishers swag. Several runners had to ask including myself, and we find out it is all the way in the back of the festivities.

But honestly, no complaints. I finished in 5:22 and I cannot wait to tackle the course again, this time with more training on hills of course.