The 2008 Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race was an enormous success, according to race organizers and the Guam Visitors Bureau. The total number of competitors was 702 runners, an increase of 13% over last year’s race. The Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race also realized an increase of over 200% in the number of participants from Japan, a clear indication that GVB’s marketing efforts in Japan to promote the event were well received. Two celebrity runners from the Philippines also competed, with Pepito Deapera taking overall first place in the 2008 Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race with a winning time of 1:18:14.

The individual race of the Guam Ko’ko’ Road Race was increased to half marathon length this year, adding an additional 1.08K to the course. Another change over previous years, the Ekiden relay race started at the same time as the individual race with runners making the turn around at the 20K point while individual competitors continued on to the half marathon turn around at the War in the Pacific park in Asan village.