HAWAII BIRD CONSERVATION MARATHON 15/12/24

I've watched video coverage of the Kona Ironman many times so I jumped at the opportunity to go to the Big Island. It's a very small marathon, only 150 runners, but for a great cause. Many species of tropical birds there are at threat for the usual reasons. There are no road closures, we run on the highway hard shoulder for a lot of the race. If you step out in the road you get disqualified if you are spotted, or maybe hit by a truck, whichever comes first. The 6am start means headtorches are mandatory for the early miles but at least it isn't freezing cold like some of the mountain marathons I've done. It's a lovely atmosphere, and I do okay, I suppose, since after recent blood tests I have been diagnosed once again with pronounced iron deficiency anaemia and very low red and white blood cell counts. Despite this I feel fine but some mechanism to carry oxygen to my muscles would be nice. 4.34.18.