The 52nd Honolulu Marathon brought together over 27,000 runners from around the world, showcasing not only the athletic spirit of the participants but also the dedication of local volunteers and supporters. This year, the event highlighted how the community comes together to make the marathon a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The Honolulu Marathon is as much about community support as it is about the runners. Local businesses and volunteers play a crucial role in creating a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Aloha. For instance, Ricky Kobayashi, owner of ICHIRIKI, has been a longtime supporter of the marathon. His restaurant offers water and restroom access, helping runners stay hydrated and comfortable along the course.
“We do it every year. We give water and let people use the bathroom because we know there are very few restrooms along the path. For anyone that has their finisher shirt on, we offer one cent beer for the whole week or free shaved ice if they don’t drink,” Kobayashi shared.
The marathon atmosphere was further enlivened by local musicians. Berry Luke and his friends played cheerful Christmas songs along the route, energizing runners and spectators alike.
“We’re here to support the marathon and the runners. We’ve been doing this for years, and it’s great energy! We’re feeding off the runners here,” Luke said, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event.
Volunteers like Julian Okamoto dedicated their time to keeping the event clean and ensuring participants had a safe experience.
“It’s one of the biggest events on our beautiful island. Early in the morning, you gotta energize people and also keep our environment clean. It’s very tiring but it’s worth it. This is my third or fourth time volunteering, and I absolutely enjoy it,” Okamoto explained.
Supporters also made their presence felt. KeKai Wong, holding a handmade sign, “May the Course be with you,” cheered on her cousins participating in the marathon.
“I came here to support a bunch of my cousins who are running the race. I’ve been here since 5 a.m., and I felt so much energy seeing everyone supporting each other,” she shared, capturing the essence of community involvement.
Adding a touch of whimsy, Don Murphy, owner of Murphy’s Bar, dressed up as Santa for the event, bringing joy to runners and spectators alike.
“I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. It’s good fun, and I love seeing the runners enjoy it!” he said, embodying the festive spirit of the marathon.
The spirit of community was palpable at the Honolulu Marathon, reminding everyone that it takes more than just runners to make this event a success. From volunteers to enthusiastic supporters, the marathon truly becomes a celebration of togetherness, reinforcing the bonds that make Honolulu special.
