Honolulu Marathon 2012: Route, Date, Start Time and Info

Running 26.2 miles in the hot temperatures of Hawaii may seem daunting to some, but to others, it's paradise.

The 40th annual Honolulu Marathon takes place this weekend, a staple of Hawaiian living since 1973. According to Adventure-Marathon.com, the Honolulu Marathon hosts 25,000 runners annually and 50,000 spectators—but the week-long celebration beforehand is one of the marathon's main attractions. Other than the fact that it's in Hawaii, of course. 

There are autograph signings, giveaways featuring trips to Las Vegas, a concert and luau the Friday before the race to provide all of the necessary carbo-loading, and the race itself kicks off on Sunday with a fireworks celebration.

The marathon may start a bit earlier than most, but that's what has to happen in order to combat the high temperatures. 

And instead of receiving a medal at the finish line, runners, of course, get a shell lei. 

Here's where and when the action will take place.

Where: Honolulu, Hawaii 

When: Dec. 9, 2012

Start Times

Marathon: 5 a.m. HST (10 a.m. ET)

Race Day 10K Walk: 5:25 a.m. (10:25 a.m. ET)

Route Information

According to the marathon's official website, the race begins on Ala Moana Boulevard, meaning "path by the ocean"—but then again, most of the course runs along the ocean. Not a bad deal for those who want a nice view while they complete their 26.2 miles.

The race runs through Honolulu Harbor, the 10-story Aloha Tower, Mission Houses Museum, Kapiolani Boulevard, the Honolulu Zoo, Cliffs, a popular surfing locale and more. 

At the finish line, runners will be met by a concert performed by the Queen Kapiolani Bandstand.

Men's 2011 Results

Place	Runner	Time
1	Nicholas Chelimo,	2:14:55
2	Patrick Ivuti	2:14:58
3	Josphat Boit	2:15:40
4	Kiplimo Kimutai,	2:18:12
5	Benjamin Kolum	2:19:21

Women's 2011 Results

Place	Runner	Time
1	Woynishet Girma	2:31:41
2	Misiker Mekonnindemissie	2:31:53
3	Valentina Galimova	2:31:55
4	Emmah Muthoni	2:32:38
5	Suetlana Zakharoua	2:33:17

Weather Information

Weather.com projects highs to reach about 79 degrees on Sunday, though before sunrise temperatures should be in the high 60s and low 70s. The forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a zero percent chance of rain and winds blowing at 11 mph. The bad news: Humidity is expected to be at 71 percent.