Honolulu Marathon organizers expect more than 28,000 participants on Dec. 10 for the 34th annual running of the race.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday announced that the marathon already has about 700 more people signed up to run than last year's 28,000, and the activities surrounding the 26.2-mile race have continued to grow.

At a news conference at Honolulu Hale, Hannemann said the race is the state's largest sporting event and now includes: 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 5-kilometer race Thursday morning at Kapi'olani Park and a lu'au/concert for participants Friday at the Waikiki Shell.

Hannemann said race organizers spent $566,126 on various expenses last year, including hiring 400 Honolulu Police Department officers to help with course safety.

He credited marathon president Dr. James Barahal, now in his 20th year with the race, with organizing an event that benefits the whole state

Barahal said the number of runners from Japan would be even greater if more airline flights and hotel rooms could be found during this busy week. Hannemann noted that the number of participants from Japan continues to grow, even as visitors from that country had dipped overall.

He said at least 17,000 runners are coming from Japan for the event.

Barahal said organizers work each year to find ways to ease the inconvenience on the community. "It does create some traffic issues," he acknowledged, but said the 5 a.m. start, police officers and contraflow and other strategies have eased some of the hassles.

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.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.