Tuesday, November 13, 2001

Honolulu Marathon
may be smaller

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Star-Bulletin wire services

HONOLULU >> Honolulu Marathon officials say next month's event will be smaller than past years, because of an unwillingness of many runners to fly in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The marathon normally draws about 25,000 entries, including 10,000 from Japan. They sign up between mid-September and mid-November.

But marathon president Jim Berehal said only about 6,200 Japanese have signed up so far.

Japanese schools that sent groups in recent years have canceled, and many corporations aren't allowing their employees to travel, he said.

Berehal said he was optimistic about 9,000 Japanese will end up entering the race.