With the firing of the gun and fireworks to light up the sky, thousands of runners took off down Ala Moana Boulevard.
By mile marker 5, the moon was still shining as thousands continued their 26.2 mile trek down Kalakaua Avenue to Hawaii Kai and ending at Kapiolani Park.
Many runners dressed to impress while many who were not in the race lined the streets to cheer on the runners.
"It’s great. I love it, it’s really exciting. I thought he was going to be lonely because he was so early but it’s really good a lot of support for them," said Alma Espinoza, who was there cheering on her husband.
"It’s crazy, I didn’t realize this many people are running it it’s WILD, incredible amount of people to be running this," said Kevin O’Brien, who is visiting from Massachusetts.
Among the athletes, were hundreds of first timers in the Honolulu Marathon. Most were running for a cause.
One group was the Arthritis Society team called "Joints in Motion."
"We’re from Canada and so this program is supporting people who have arthritis. So we have arthritis heroes and some of our participants actually have arthritis or we’re running for someone who can’t do it themselves," said Chantelle Kurtz.
"I’ve got a bunch of runners and walkers that are here for the Leukemia and Lyphoma Society. They’re out here and have trained in honor and memory of those who are affected by blood cancers," says Megan Olson, of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
And, among the runners were nearly 10,000 volunteers who worked to make the marathon a success.
This is Phillip Soon’s first time volunteering.
"I think it’s awesome I mean the opportunity for our visitors to come not only run the marathon but see the island and see all the cool stuff going on," he says.
One of the new additions to the Honolulu Marathon are the malasadas every finisher will get one.
"It’s a trea,t like a reward kind. We just burned a whole bunch of calories and we get something sweet at the end," said marathon participant Chrystal Fermin.
"I’m portuguese I love this," jokes marathon participant Lore Kuheana.
Is it a good idea should they bring it back next year?
"Yes they should and the ones that are filled with chocolate," Kuheana says.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
