But it was Royce Jones, and other fun runners wearing outrageous costumes, who captured the essence of the nonserious contest.
"This is an opportunity to let loose after a pressure week at the office," said businessman Jones.
Jones, from Kaimuki, who hovers over a computer keyboard long hours during the work day, chose to run outfitted as a beach goer, complete with snorkel gear, beach ball and sporting swim fins (instead of sneakers) on his feet.
"I was prepared for any emergency - even a tsunami wave," he said.
The 3,000-participant fun run started and finished at Kahala's Fort Ruger Park. Participants expressed themselves in many ways, some wearing costumes while others walked kids or dogs.
Lyau and Graybill won their respective divisions with ease, defending champ Lyau turning four miles in 20 minutes and 41 seconds to top second place Steve Bremner by 34 seconds.
Graybill, who led the women's race from start to finish, arrived in 23:27, beating runner-up Candas Weise Smiley by two minutes, six seconds.
The course records of 18:55 for men and 22:09 for women were never threatened.
"Hot and humid conditions today," said Lyau, who marked his fourth symphony triumph.
While the elite took the contest seriously, most of the entrants jogged or walked the course relaxed.
"The live entertainment along the way makes this race," said Jon Schmeiser, who "ran" the course sporting a hula skirt and a green frog perched on his head.
"When I'm at work it's all business," he said. "This run is promoted as fun and games. And that's fine with me."
Jon's wife Nellie ran as Minnie Mouse, complete with black plastic ears. "Still, we finished in 35 minutes," she said.
On-course entertainment included dancers, grog and music provided by several symphony ensembles, including a fiddler on the roof; the Spring Wind and the Touch of Brass.
"Our symphony abounds with new-found energy, both musical and in running," said trumpet player Mark Schubert.
Schubert performed with the Honolulu Brass before the race, then set his horn aside and ran the course.
"My 16th year of participation and it's still a thrill (for me)," he said after his 32-minute effort.
Steve Bremner, an Air Force captain based at Hickam, led the men's field for nearly two miles before Lyau swept past.
"This was no fun run for me. I'm disappointed that I let Jonathan go," said Bremner, who explained that as a result of running last week's Boston Marathon, his legs lacked snap.
Said Lyau, "There's no other race like the Symphony Run - it's competitive yet fun."
Bremner placed second in 21:15, followed in third, one second later, by John Smith. "I leave Tuesday for New Zealand and a marathon. This race resulted in a quality workout," Smith said.
Graybill, like others, was inspired by the on-course entertainment. "The music pushed me on," she said.
Smiley finished a distant second in 25:33, followed in third by Ann Baginski in 26:15. "My first top-three women's finish ever," an excited Baginski said.
Some entered yesterday's fun run for Honolulu Symphony concert tickets given to participants. Others joined in for the race shirt.
Sports car enthusiast Ed Kemper of Kailua ran to keep in shape.
"Racing an automobile on a track can be demanding," he said. "All serious drivers should consider running as a means of keeping fit."
Kemper, Sports Car of America's regional executive, finished in 33 minutes.
Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops, started yesterday's run with a crash of cymbals. He then joined the throng, finishing among the top 100.
"A fun and unique experience," he said after the contest.