Japan's runners continue to invade the Honolulu Marathon. This year 15,000 plus another 5,000 in the Mayor's Mile registered to run.  These numbers represent over 60 % of the field. Japanese runners also pump more than $57 million into the local economy according to a study done at Hawaii Pacific University.

With the aid of an interpreter at the start and finish areas, I was able to talk with many Japanese runners and coordinators of the tour groups that bring them over. The excitement and sense of fun that they bring to the event is overwhelming.

In the warm up area at Ala Moana Park, tour group aids carried large banners on poles to gather their runners to a particular spot. Some were dressed in Santa costumes; one couple reversed their gender roles in traditional clothing and masks. Some groups performed calisthenics, some light aerobics while others played music to get them psyched up.

Quite a number of running clubs, corporate and charity groups dressed in colorful matching singlets and shorts. Thanks to massive strobe lighting it wasn't difficult to find their groups in the darkness before the 5 am starting time.

Fireworks and the boom of a cannon sent the runners and wheelers off without a hitch. For the last five years, two Kenyon runners, Mbarak Hussein and Jimmy Muindi have battled for victory. This year the two friends were inducted into the Honolulu Marathon Hall of Fame then chased each other past Diamond Head. Muindi had the added incentive of running in front of his family. He didn't disappoint them. By 20 miles the race for first was over. Windy conditions had already eliminated his chance at a new course record but Munidi still averaged 5:04 pace to run a 2:12:59.

On the women's side, two unrelated Russians, Alevtina and Albina Ivanova chased each other to the return ascent of Diamond Head.  Japan's Eri Hayakawa who was over a minute behind at one point sailed passed them with just two miles to go and received  $18,000 for her 2:31:57 effort. Hayakawa was the first Japanese runner to win the race.

Kapiolani Park in Waikiki served as the finish area for all participants and spectators. Dominating the grounds were Japanese tour groups like JTB, the largest in Japan. JTB provided "cloak service" for its 4,000 members by delivering a traditional noodle soup, ice cream bars, massage, internet walk ups for results and shuttle service back to the hotel.

Many of the tour groups had mascots or people dressed up in Santa's helper outfits to great runners as they entered their tents.  One had hula dancers lined up on each side of the entryway. Some were video taping messages that would be added to a personal DVD of the race. We also watched runners relaxing in wade pools as they tried to work out some of the soreness.

One 73 year old Japanese runner told us he had just finished his 25^th Honolulu Marathon. He was wearing an omamori, an embroidered talisman or good luck charm and a headband with symbols representing four legs that would help him to run strong and committed. 

Like so many runners we met, they loved the family atmosphere, the beauty of Honolulu and opportunity complete a marathon without the concern of a time limit. The Honolulu Marathon is a runner friendly event that will remain as one of the largest Marathons in the world.