
Hawaii, United States of America · Friday 11 September 2026
The Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon is an annual event held on the Big Island, commencing in Volcano and concluding in Hilo. The route descends over 3,700 feet in elevation, making it one of the fastest certified marathon courses in the United States, and regularly serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, with more than half of finishers achieving this standard in some years. The course travels predominantly along Highway 11, passing through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the town of Volcan
Adjusted Time
3:57:57
Time difference: -2.1 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon is a full marathon held in Hawaii, United States of America, scheduled for Friday 11 September 2026. The course is run on road surface with 37m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 1228m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon website.
This is a very flat course with only 37m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 109m to 1228m above sea level — a 1119m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Based on historical weather data for September, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 13°C and 23°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a low chance of rain (19%), so dry conditions are likely.
Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Hawaii Bird Conservation Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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