Water main break causes concern for Honolulu Marathon organizers

This big hole in the middle of Ala Moana Boulevard between Piikoi Street and atkinson drive caused quite a concern for Honolulu Marathon organizers.

"It is actually on portions of the course where we stage as well as because the runners come down and go back to Waikiki they utilize that section of Ala Moana," said Ricky Taniguchi, deputy race director.

The marathon’s starting line is near the main break.

And Taniguchi was concerned he’d have to make changes to the course.

"We’re staged on both side although the westbound direction we try to keep the runner off that because that is a escape route," said Taniguchi. "The whole section will be repaved the athletes and participants need not be concerned they’ll have a very safe and smooth course."

This isn’t the first time marathon officials had to deal with obstacles the day before the race.

"The heavy rainstorm of about 3-4 years ago we’ve had issues where we’ve had 30-40 mph winds that was comprising some of our tents that are currently erected at Kapiolani Park," said Taniguchi.

And, many who will be running on Sunday won’t let a water main break or mother nature stand in their way of finishing.

"A lot of carbo loading and a lot of rest and trying to get mentally ready."

These men are visiting from Chicago.

They’re doing the Honolulu Marathon for the first time and are up to the challenge.

"It’s 20 degrees back in Chicago and it’s 75 here and I guess the challenge of the course it’s a lot more challenging than the Chicago marathon," said Chris Whittington, a marathon participant from Chicago.

"Chicago is a very flat course and here there’s a mountain in the middle so that might be the challenge," said Josh Heyse, a marathon participant from Chicago.

"Since it starts very early it’ll be the sunrise seeing it while we run where in Chicago it starts later so it’s kind of one of the things we’re looking forward to and it’ll be less humid than Chicago," said Darryl Tyndorf, a marathon participant from Chicago.

So far, marathon officials say more than 22,000 participants are signed up to run the race on Sunday.