The Honolulu Marathon's guts and glory are distinguished through the guidance of two former runners from Michigan. After graduating from the University of Michigan in the 1970s, Jon Cross and Jim Barahal moved to Oahu to practice dentistry and medicine, respectively. They soon used their running and business talents to steer the Honolulu Marathon into one of America's premier running events.

Cross, a graduate of Belleville High, can boast a 4:13 mile and a 2:29 marathon. His visit to Barahal in Honolulu changed his life forever. By 1984, Cross was coordinating the elite runners and elevated the race to a new level of prestige.

Many thought Kenyan runners had the speed but not the endurance to win marathons. Cross knew they would soon be at the top and found many up-and-coming African stars who went on to win major marathons and Olympic medals.

Barahal ran workouts at U-M but didn't run on the team. Still, he ran best times of 4:20 for the mile and a 2:45 Honolulu Marathon. He has been president of the Honolulu Marathon Association since 1987, and his ideas and business acumen have become a benchmark for other races to follow.

A decision for the 20th anniversary in 1992 to let locals sign up for the original $2 entry fee caused a big ripple in the wave of runners who participate. More than 7,000 Hawaiians took advantage of the one-month offer and just as quickly a pipeline from Japan took the marathon by storm. Now about 29,000 run the race.

Selling the logo on the race numbers produced several key sponsors. A close connection to Japan Airlines and Nike is a big part of the marathon's success. Honolulu's exotic geography and ability to accommodate tourists are part of the event's success. Seventy-five percent of the Japanese contingent choose Honolulu as their first marathon, and the marathon association takes full advantage.

"Runners from Japan like to attach themselves to an event, plus the fitness aspect in the marathon fits perfectly with their mind-set," Barahal said.

As race director, Cross is in charge of all the technical aspects of the race. He calls it crisis management. His former coach Ron Warhurst and U-M teammates provide assistance and a sense of calm during race week. So do Jeanette and Ronald Chun, who are revered as the heart, soul and aloha spirit of the race administration. Barahal considers the Chuns his hidden weapon that helps set Honolulu apart from other marathons. "Irreplaceable people who also guide Cross and I on our trips to Japan to work with sponsors and tour promotions," Barahal said. 

The event, like the organization, runs like a big family. With five children between them, all of whom were at the finish line on race day, it's amazing how much the two of them are able to accomplish outside of their professional life.

Both Cross and Barahal help orchestrate other components of the race, as well. The Mayor's Walk attracts more than 5,000 each year. The Diamond Head duet is a low-key couples run, and the once prestigious Waikiki Mile is a challenge for runners hoping to retain their pride by not winning the DFL -- "Did Finish Last" -- trophy.

Barahal and Cross choose to operate the marathon as a nonprofit event and use charitable organizations to make up the bulk of volunteers who handle the 17 aid stations and setups at the start and finish areas. The marathon is the only major event of its kind in Hawaii that doesn't take money from the state.

Michigan can stand as proud as the statue of surfer Duke Kahanamoku for what these two have accomplished so far away from home.