VOLCANO MARATHON COURSE
Kilauea Volcano Wilderness
Marathon, Hawaii 2007
Photography by runner Rodney Pygoya
Chang
"Called the 'world's
toughest measured marathon,' this race challenges the most advanced
and hardy endurance runners. The course covers extremely tough and uneven
terrain, lava
fields in the Ka'u Desert and 1,000 foot elevation changes."
17 mile mark, where negotiating around, jumping, and climbing rocks take its toll. My right thigh muscle cramps! I have to start walking and attempt to jog intermittently. Lisa, the woman with the gash in the knee meets up with me here. We basically finish the run together, walking and running when we could. By our watches, we are confident we both will make the deadline of 7 hrs, 30 minutes easily.
Just when I hit Chain of Craters Road (1.6 miles), I am hampered by the cramp threat!
crossing a bit of history
It's greener now. As artist, love the myriad of shapes, colors, and textures that dazzle in the late morning light.
Wish my legs would cooperate; would have loved to tear down this road with speed!
(cursing my legs)
Gotta check it out!
Beautiful volcano crater
wild orchids growing in the lava rocks
another stretch of the imagination too
19 mile mark
After 19 miles, start "Escape Road" - "unpaved, uphill"
reminds me of Devastation Trail
These lava scenes along the side of Escape Road
Getting close to Thurston Lava Tube, elevation 3920', much of route after this is green forest, a nice contrast to earlier desolate and barren lava fields
lst marathon where the 25th mile is marked with "1" (mile to go) - guess that a motivator for the weary traveler.
Steam venting from a lava vent- it's hot down there! This IS an active volcano marathon course!