Say this for Honolulu Marathon runners: They're a tenacious bunch.

The latest proof came this weekend during a two-day early registration walk-in period as some 2,344 runners looked past last year's timing disaster, a $10 price increase, even a Spam-induced traffic snarl to get a jump on the world's third-largest marathon.

The walk-in registration was held at Niketown in Waikiki, with 2007 finishers receiving a free extra finishers shirt and others a new commemorative one. Discounted Marathon Concert/Luau tickets were also available.

An estimated 350 dropped off their applications in the first hour on Saturday, led by venerable running coach and photographer Tesh Teshima. By mid-afternoon, more than 1,000 had registered, already equaling the first day of early registration last year.

"Local (registrants) tend to stay consistent year to year," said Honolulu Marathon co-race director Ken McDowell. "What's always interesting is military participation, which depends on deployment schedules."

However, things slowed down considerably after 2 p.m., when Kalakaua was shut down in preparation for that evening's Spam Jam festival.

Still, the strong response from local runners is significant, especially given the timing snafu that resulted in thousands of incorrect or missing finishing times at last year's race. The problems were traced to a massive failure of a new timing system administered by SAI Timing of Michigan.

"People have been really understanding about it," said Honolulu Marathon registrar Val Lawson.

Lawson and a troop of volunteers, including long-time archivist Grace Miji, processed 1,273 applications on the first day and another 1,071 on Sunday.

The Honolulu Marathon Association raised the early registration fee, offered to local and military runners, from $20 to $30 this year. Fees increase to $105 for local and U.S. runners and $140 for internationals during the regular registration period, and up to $200 during the late period.

The association shortened the early walk-in period from nine days to just two this year.

Early entries can also be faxed to 732-7057 or mailed to the Honolulu Marathon Association office (3435 Wai'alae Avenue, Suite 200, Honolulu, HI) through May 31. Tickets for the Honolulu Marathon Concert/Luau (including tickets for up to six companions) can be bought for $25 with early registration. The concert and luau will be held Dec. 12 at the Waikiki Shell.

The 36th Honolulu Marathon will be held Dec. 14.