Some 27,000 entrants are expected to lace up for this weekend’s Honolulu Marathon events. In the marquee race, of course, is the 26.2-miler that starts on Ala Moana Boulevard, then winds along Chinatown and Downtown before heading to Waikiki, Kahala and, eventually, a turnaround in Hawaii Kai. Last year, runners from Kenya — Lawrence Cherono and Brigid Kosgei— repeated as the top men’s and women’s finishers, with both setting course records below 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Most recreational runners and walkers inspired by these world-class athletes will be unable to hold a blistering pace for miles at a time. The annual marathon’s last finisher usually takes about 15 hours.

More affordable rentals coming to Waikiki

A bit of welcome relief from Honolulu’s critical shortage of affordable rentals appears to be on the way. The City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution allowing developer OliverMcMillan to build a 402-unit all-rental tower on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki, and to renovate four nearby low-rise apartment complexes containing 53 additional rental units.

In exchange for flexibility on height, density and setback standards, the developer will provide up to 91 apartments for residents earning no more than 80 percent of area median income, and would stay affordable for 30 years. That’s good news for a population with few housing options.

Let’s hope many, many more of these rentals are developed, and soon.