‘People’s race’ can build relationships

The Honolulu Marathon calls itself the people’s race, and with good reason. By number of entrants, it is the second-largest marathon in the country. And it’s not elitist like Boston, where you can’t get to the starting line without a strong qualifying time.

Dr. Jim Barahal and his staff and volunteers try to treat everyone with aloha, whether they be from Kyoto, Kansas or Kaimuki … or Kenya for that matter.

Two years ago, Jon Cross helped out elite runner agent Gerard Ven De Veen when on late notice the Honolulu executive race director made room for one of his clients, Gilbert Kirwa.

Kirwa had missed a deadline for the New York City Marathon because of a visa issue and needed a race, and Cross obliged. Kirwa’s not a superstar, so this was viewed by those who follow distance running closely as a good deed.

Running journalist David Monti and others believe that favor in 2010 paid off for Honolulu this year when New York was canceled due to the big storm and Wilson Kipsang — who is a superstar — wanted a replacement event.

Honolulu doesn’t have the kind of appearance fee money available that Kipsang — who has the second-fastest marathon of all-time and an Olympic medal to his credit — would normally command. But its reputation for treating runners right factored in, enough to merit a discount.

Then Kipsang did his part Sunday on a dry but blustery course. He ran a smart tactical race, tucking himself relatively unnoticed among the lead pack, letting the others deal with the wind while he saved his energy for a turbo blast with a couple of miles left.

"Coming back, the hill was OK," a refreshed-looking Kipsang said minutes after winning. "I was feeling good. It was a good opportunity for me to drop the guys."

Now, does he drop Honolulu and go back to New York?

Maybe he doesn’t have to choose. When asked what he would do if forced between Gotham and defending his title here next year, Kipsang said he could do both. Longtime running broadcaster Toni Reavis said he agreed Kipsang would be capable of putting on a good show at two marathons just five weeks apart, particularly in this case because Honolulu is not a fast track like New York.

Of course, Barahal was overjoyed to hear this, and immediately said Kipsang would be invited back to defend.

Monti isn’t sure there’s enough time between the events, and doing both could risk his readiness for Boston or London the following spring. It might not make sense financially or physically for Kipsang to squeeze in Honolulu.

"These guys are like boxers," Monti said. "How many great races do they have in them? Twenty? Fifteen? Two races a year? Three races? They have to be careful."

On the plus side, Kipsang is sponsored by Adidas — as is the Honolulu Marathon. (New York has Asics.)

So we shall see if this event gets Kipsang — one of the sport’s biggest stars — as a feature attraction for years to come. Like six-time Honolulu champ Jimmy Muindi, but more prominent on the worldwide marathon stage.

"This is a special situation. I do think he’ll come back. I’m just not sure when," Monti said. "But I think he may see that when you come to Honolulu, you may end up with a long-term relationship that’s very good for you and your family."