Early registration for the Dec. 9 Honolulu Marathon begins today and continues through Jan. 28 at Niketown in Waikiki. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For $20, residents and military also will receive a free timing chip; laced to a runner's shoe, it interfaces with the timing mats along the route to give accurate times of the runners' progress.

Other free gifts will be distributed while supplies last.

Early registrants also can sign up for the Dec. 7 lu'au/concert for $20 and can buy up to six more companion tickets at the same price.