Over 35,000 runners are expected to participate in Sunday’s Honolulu Marathon. Many participating will be visitors which will leave an impact on local tourism this weekend.
HONOLULU (Island News) -- Energizing Oahu, over 35,000 participants are expected for the 52nd Honolulu Marathon this weekend.
Local hotels and many other businesses are reaping the benefits.
Hilton Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa General Manager Henry Perez told Island News, "Our hotel is sold out. I've talked to my counterparts, all the hotels in Waikiki pretty much sold out. The biggest thing we're seeing is the Japanese guests, the Asian guests are coming back, which is amazing."
"It's going to be a fabulous year for the marathon, we're better than 2019 days", added Perez.
This tends to be one of the slowest times in Hawaii because people are getting ready for the holidays. Bringing the marathon in is helping sell out the city.
Marathon registration numbers are reportedly up 25% from a year ago.
Hilton guest and marathon competitor Irene Sawyer from Fresno, California said, "We've been planning this for a year, but we booked back in October. No issues here."
Meanwhile, the largest challenge for the hotel could be in the restaurant.
"People want to carb up the night before. Saturday night is usually a big dinner night—it's a pasta night. We just have to change our menus a little bit, get everybody carbo loaded", said Perez.
With multiple races on tap, the 26.2 mile course begins on Sunday at 5 a.m. on Ala Moana Blvd with a fireworks show.
You can still sign up in person at the Honolulu Marathon Expo at the Hawaii Convention Center, Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
