Annual UCC Coffee Kona Marathon returns to Ali‘i Drive

The 27th Annual UCC Coffee Kona Marathon is moving back to Kona after staging the race on the Kohala Coast for the last few years.

The race will take place on June 21, 2025.

“It’s safe to say that over the past 26 years, the Kona Marathon has had its share of challenges—dealing with COVID, location and course changes, volcanic eruptions, and even tropical storms,” said Kona Marathon Race Director Brent Imonen. “The long-term effects of the COVID layoff gave us time to rethink our race. It’s time for a new beginning and we’re excited to go back to our Kona roots.”

The 2025 Kona Marathon races will include the marathon (26.2 miles), Kona Half Marathon (13.1 miles), Kona Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles) and Kona 5K (3.1 miles) race. A Health & Fitness Fair and keiki events are planned leading up to the marathon.

Officials say the mass start will return after the long COVID hiatus.

“Think you can keep up with the elites? Get up front,” according to a release from the marathon organizers. “Not so confident of a fast marathon? Line up accordingly.”

The 2025 Marathon will travel through the heart of Kona and back along the rolling hills and flats of the famous Ali‘i Drive.

The Marathon will start at 5:30 a.m., Half Marathon at 6 a.m., 5K at 6:45 a.m. and the Quarter Marathon at 7 a.m.

The course is both runner and walker-friendly with a slew of aid stations. Aid stations will be located every 1 to 1.5 miles. Water, electrolytes, and ice will be at the aid stations with energy shots and energy bars for the marathon and half marathon participants at select aid stations.

The race course will close after 7 hours at 12:30 p.m.

Additionally, the event will have a new resort partner—Royal Kona Resort and Spa.