As if you needed another reason to visit Hawaii, the Honolulu Marathon takes place next Sunday.

It is traditionally one of the biggest races in the world, with more than 20,000 finishing in 2010. The winner of the race gets $40,000 and the luxury of sitting on the beaches after it is over. 

This is the 39th year that the race has been run. The course is one of the most difficult in the world, which tends to make things more exciting. Last year's best time was two hours, 15 minutes, 18 seconds, which is 10 minutes longer than it took the top finisher of the 2011 New York City Marathon. 

The heat and humidity in Honolulu also add to the difficulty of the race. As is the case with all these marathons, there are plenty of hydration stations to keep runners upright as they tackle the course.

Where: Honolulu, Hawaii

When: December 11, 2011 at 5 a.m. Hawaii Time

Live Stream: Sports Radio 1420 AM

Route

The race starts on Ala Moana Boulevard, which, according to the Marathon's website, means "path by the ocean." The scenic run concludes after 26.2 miles on the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.

Here is a look at the course map. (via HonoluluMarathon.org)

Men's 2010 Results

Women's 2010 Results