The Hapalua half-marathon, organized by the Honolulu Marathon Association, saw a record number of registered runners, with over 30% coming from out of state. The event attracted around 9,800 participants, including runners from the U.S. mainland, Japan, Canada, and other countries. The marathon's president and CEO, Jim Barahal, highlighted the increasing interest in running events, with the Hapalua serving as the second-largest destination event in Hawaii after the Honolulu Marathon.
The post-COVID-19 running boom has fueled a surge in participation from both local and international runners, particularly from the U.S. mainland and Japan. The event's accessibility, without the need for qualifying times, has contributed to its popularity among newcomers. The growth in participation numbers reflects a broader trend of rising interest in running as a social activity. Additionally, the Hapalua's success has spurred the development of other running events like the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, contributing to the overall expansion of sports tourism in Hawaii.