Friday, June 19, 1998
Waikiki Mile
hasn’t run its
course yet
Nike's financial support
By Pat Bigold
is expected to continue
despite tough times
Star-BulletinAmid rumors of cutbacks in his event, Honolulu Marathon Association president Jim Barahal yesterday said a $1 million contract with supporting sponsor Nike is in the offing.
"I think it's a done deal because they're already working on designs for this year's race (Dec. 13)," said Barahal.
Nike has merchandising rights for the event.
He said the agreement covers three years -- the longest contract the marathon has had with the shoe giant. Nike has been associated with the race for most of this decade.
"I'm thrilled that given the cutbacks Nike has made recently that we have this deal," said Barahal.
With major upheavals in the industry, Nike has suffered consecutive quarterly profit losses, laid off about 1,600 workers and discontinued sponsorship of about 80 men's college teams and about 50 women's teams.
But the Oregon-based athletic shoe and apparel firm, which opened Niketown in Waikiki this year, seems to like doing business in Hawaii.
In addition to the marathon, Nike will sponsor two other local sporting events in December: the Iolani Prep Basketball Classic and the University of Hawaii's Hawaii Nike Festival basketball tournament at the Stan Sheriff Center. Nike also continues to sponsor the UH football team and its men's and women's basketball teams.
DC Card, a Japanese firm, and Outrigger Hotels (race-week headquarters) are the marathon's other supporting sponsors while Japan Airlines (JAL) is the major sponsor.
But Barahal said he is keeping a close eye on the Japanese economy, whose fate is interwoven with the marathon's.
"Most of our sponsors are in Japan," said Barahal.
The marathon has also depended heavily upon Japanese participation, which has accounted for the majority of the field in each race this decade.
There were 17,952 Japanese entries last year and 18,285 the year before.
Barahal acknowledged concern over the possibility that Japan's economy could yet affect both the marathon and its popular preliminary event, the Waikiki Mile.
He said he is budgeting cautiously, telling his officials to plan as though only about 14,000 runners from Japan will come this year.
There had been speculation that the Waikiki Mile, which began in 1994 and has usually featured several of Nike's top elite athletes, might not survive.
But Barahal said the mile will be staged Dec. 12 on Kalakaua Avenue.
Nike's P.L.A.Y. program, which stands for Participate in the Lives of American Youth, will also go on as usual in conjunction with elite men's and women's races.
About 3,000 local youngsters participated last year in several heats before the elite runners took over the street.
But Barahal said cautious budgeting for appearance fees may force the paring of the men's and women's world class fields to eight apiece.
There have been as many as 14 in one field or the other for the last four years.
"The fields may not be as deep as in years past, but the quality will still be there," he said.
Top international distance stars such as Ireland's Sonia O'Sullivan, China's Wang Junxia, Mozambique's Maria Mutola and Americans Mary Slaney and Bob Kennedy have competed in the mile races.
"I can't say we didn't discuss the Waikiki Mile," said Barahal. "But it's a good community event, and in some ways, a better grass roots event. The marathon is inaccessible to kids. It's an event very accessible to spectators and almost a priceless prelude to the marathon."
Barahal said he is hopeful that any decrease in Japanese marathon participation will be made up by increased numbers from the American mainland and Germany.
Germany sent 515 runners last year, the third largest delegation after Japan and the United States.
