The Honolulu Marathon is excited to welcome Mizuno as its new apparel sponsor.

Mizuno has been confirmed as a supporting sponsor of the Honolulu Marathon. At this year’s event, scheduled for December 13, 2020, the Japanese run apparel specialist will provide all finisher, commemorative and volunteer shirts and sell official merchandise at the Honolulu Marathon Expo.

The Honolulu Marathon was first held in 1973 and is the fourth largest marathon in the United States. It is very popular in Japan; and to date about 470,000 Japanese runners have raced at the Honolulu Marathon. 

The December 2020 race weekend includes three distances: the full 26.2-mile marathon, the Start to Park 10k, and the Kalakaua Merrie Mile.

“We are particularly proud to welcome such a premier athletic company at this difficult time,” said Jim Barahal, CEO & President of the Honolulu Marathon Association. “This demonstrates Mizuno’s long-term commitment to the people of Hawaii and Japan. 

“Mizuno and the Honolulu Marathon believe that running and sports are vital – in order to support healthy, active, and vibrant communities.”

Mizuno was founded in 1906 in Osaka, Japan. The company sees the running business as a key global category.

In Honolulu, Mizuno will leverage this new sponsorship as an opportunity to boost its running business and enhance the Mizuno brand value in the running market.  On the ground, Mizuno plans to support event associates, volunteers and runners. It is also planning sales activities and promotions for various licensed items including running products featuring the image of the Honolulu Marathon.