The Honolulu Marathon took place this year following an improvement in Hawaii's coronavirus situation. The event was canceled last year due to the pandemic.
About 9,000 runners started at 5 a.m. on Sunday. The number of participants was less than half that of an average year.
Event organizers said many participants this year were from the United States. About 200 were from Japan. Before the pandemic, more than 10,000 Japanese runners took part in the event annually.
Organizers took various anti-infection measures this year. They required that participants over the age of 12 show proof of fully vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event and made water stations unmanned.
While Hawaii's coronavirus situation has improved, local health officials are calling on people to stay on their guard as the state has confirmed Omicron variant cases.
Jim Barahal, president of the Honolulu Marathon Association, gave assurances about the safety of the event.
He said outdoor activities are safe and that vaccinations have proven effective. He added that there have been no reports of a surge in infections following marathon events in Boston, New York or elsewhere.
About 9,000 runners started at 5 a.m. on Sunday. The number of participants was less than half that of an average year.
Event organizers said many participants this year were from the United States. About 200 were from Japan. Before the pandemic, more than 10,000 Japanese runners took part in the event annually.
Organizers took various anti-infection measures this year. They required that participants over the age of 12 show proof of fully vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event and made water stations unmanned.
While Hawaii's coronavirus situation has improved, local health officials are calling on people to stay on their guard as the state has confirmed Omicron variant cases.
Jim Barahal, president of the Honolulu Marathon Association, gave assurances about the safety of the event.
He said outdoor activities are safe and that vaccinations have proven effective. He added that there have been no reports of a surge in infections following marathon events in Boston, New York or elsewhere.
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Summary
2021 Honolulu Marathon occurred amidst improved COVID-19 situation in Hawaii; participation reduced to approximately 4,500 runners due to pandemic cancellation last year. Most participants were from the US, with around 200 coming from Japan. Organizers enforced vaccination proof or negative tests