Updated at 4:28 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2006
Marathon attracting more runners
Advertiser Staff
Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced the Honolulu Marathon already has about 700 more people signed up to run than last year's 28,000, and the activities surrounding the 26-mile race have continued to grow.At a news conference today at Honolulu Hale, Hannemann said the race is the state's largest sporting event.
Hannemann said the number of participants from Japan continues to grow, even during a time when the number of visitors from that country has dipped overall.
He said at least 17,000 runners are coming from Japan for the event.
Hawai'i Pacific University Professor Jerome Agrusa co-authored a study of last year's event and found the race generated $100 million in visitor spending.
Hannemann said the race organizers spend $566,126 on various expenses including the hiring of 400 Honolulu Police Department officers to help with race course safety.
He credited marathon president Dr. James Barahal, now in his 20th year with the race, with organizing an event the benefits the whole state.
Barahal said the number of runners from Japan would be even greater if they could find more airline flights and hotel rooms during this busy week.
This year's events will include: a free public expo at the Hawai'i Convention Center that will feature exhibitors and appearances by two of the stars of the hit TV series "Lost"; a 5K race on Thursday; and a lu'au/concert for participants at the Waikiki Shell.
