Marathon entries totaled just less than 22,000 as of yesterday, but marathon officials noted that there have been many more late walk-in registrations this year than at the same time last year.
Honolulu Marathon Association President Jim Barahal said the traditional last-minute rush of entries could push the total upward of 23,000. And while that figure is not dramatically less than the last two marathon fields (23,469 last year and 23,230 in 2008), it would represent the fewest number of entries since 1991.
Still, Barahal said the number of marathon entries continues to be "astounding" given that the majority of participants come from Japan and other foreign countries.
"If we consider a 'destination marathon' one in which more than half the field travels a thousand miles or more to get there, we've got to be the second largest in the world," Barahal said. "With the worldwide recession, to have such a high percentage of participants flying to Hawaii to participate is incredible. We can get bigger but (23,000) is a good number."
Registration Fee \18,000 is expensive, while strong yen is coming. It is more than $200 in dollars conversion.
ReplyDeleteRegistration Fee 18,000 yen is expensive, while strong yen is coming. It is more than $200 in dollars conversion.
ReplyDeleteIn what might be a sign of the still-struggling economy, the estimated number of runners was the fewest for the Honolulu Marathon since 1991 -- and far fewer than the 23,469 who entered last year and the 23,230 who entered in 2008.
ReplyDelete