Writer Doug Kurtis, 560, holds world records for the most sub 2:20 marathons (76) and marathon wins (40). He may be contacted at dkurtis@peoplepc.com.

The Honolulu Marathon's guts and glory are distinguished through the guidance of two former Michigan runners.

After graduating from the University of Michigan in the 1970s, Jon Cross and Jim Barahal moved to Oahu to practice dentistry and medicine, respectively. They soon used their running and business talents to steer the Honolulu Marathon into one of America's top events.

Photo: Former Michiganders Jim Barahal (left) and Hon Cross help make Honolulu Marathon a success.

Cross, a graduate of Belleville High, can boast a 4:13 mile and a 2:29 marathon. His visit to Barahal in Honolulu changed his life. By 1984, Cross was coordinating elite runners, lifting the marathon to a new level of prestige.

Many then thought that Kenyan runners had speed but not the endurance to win marathons. Cross, who knew better, "found" many up- and-coming African stars who went on to win major marathons and Olympic medals.

Barahal ran workouts at U-M but didn't run on the school's team. Still, he ran best times of 4:20 for the mile and 2:45 at the Honolulu Marathon. He has been president of the Honolulu Marathon Association since 1987, and his ideas and business acumen have become benchmarks among his peers.

Barahal's decision to let locals run the 20th-anniversary for the original $2 entry fee encouraged a tidal wave of participants that year, 1992. More than 7,000 Hawaiians took advantage of the one-month offer and, just as quickly, a pipeline from Japan took the marathon by storm. Now close to 29,000 take part in the race each year.

Selling logo space on race bibs produced key sponsors. Barahal built close connections with Nike and Japan Airlines, and emphasized Honolulu's exotic geography and ability to accommodate many tourists. Seventy-five percent of the Japanese contingent choose Honolulu as their first marathon, and the race association takes advantage.

"Japanese runners like to attach themselves to an event," said Barahal. "The fitness aspect in the marathon fits perfectly with their mind-set." As race director, Cross is in charge of all technical aspects of the marathon. He calls his job crisis management. His former coach, Ron Warhurst, and U-M teammates provide assistance and a sense of calm during race week. So do Jeanette and Ronald Chun, revered as the heart, soul and aloha spirit of the race.

"The Chuns guide Jon and me on trips to Japan to work with sponsors and tour promoters. They're irreplaceable," Barahal said.

The event is big, but Cross and Barahal run it like family. Between them they have five children, who help at the finish line during race day. The men are devoted to their personal lives as well.

Cross and Barahal orchestrate other marathon components. The Mayor's Walk attracts more than 5,000 entries yearly. The Diamond Head Duet is a low-key couples run, and the once-prestigious Waikiki Mile is a challenge for runners hoping to retain their pride by not winning the DFL - "Did Finish Last" - trophy.

The Michigan men operate the marathon as a nonprofit event. They tap charity groups for volunteers who handle the 17 aid stations and set-ups at the start and finish areas. The marathon is the only major event of its kind in Hawaii that doesn't take money from the state.

Michigan can stand as proud as the statue of surfer Duke Kahanamoku for what these two have accomplished so far away from home. MR