Reigning champions Yemane Haileselassie and Cynthia Limo are back to defend their Honolulu Marathon victories at Sunday’s 53rd running of the event.

Also, Saturday’s Kalakaua Merrie Mile will have its strongest elite field in its ninth year, according to organizers. Four world championships, 12 international medals, 12 Olympians and both American record holders in the mile — Yared Nuguse and Sinclaire Johnson — are represented in the field of 20 world class middle-distance runners.

This is exciting for distance-running fans, including Honolulu Marathon president Jim Barahal. But Barahal is also thrilled about record numbers for the second year in a row of registrants for the 26.2-mile marathon, Saturday’s mile and the 10k that is also on Sunday.

A record number of citizen runners, and w

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