Kenya’s Chebet, Chepkirui win Honolulu Marathon
Women's Elite first place finisher Joyce Chepkirui drapes the Kenyan flag over her shoulders after winning the 2014 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Men's Elite first place finisher Wilson Chebet poses for photos after the 2014 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Wilson Chebet, of Kenya, nears the finish line for a first place finish in the Men's Elite division of the 2014 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Wilson Chebet pulled away from a tight pack in the final miles and fellow Kenyan Joyce Chepkirui took control around midway through the course to win the 42nd annual Honolulu Marathon men’s and women’s races in rainy conditions Sunday.
Chebet won his Honolulu debut in a non-record time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 35 seconds.
Chebet finished strong to outlast a strong professional contingent despite travel problems that had him arrive in Hawaii on Friday.
Paul Lonyangata of Kenya was second in 2:16:04 and Geb Abraha of Ethiopia was third in 2:16:27.
When asked about dealing with the rain, Chebet smiled broadly but said conditions were “terrible from the start.”
Chepkirui — the first Kenyan woman to win here — came in 2:30.23. Lisa Nemec of Croatia was second in 2:31:35 and Isabella Ochichi from Kenya came in third in 2:32:22.
Chepkirui said the rain didn’t affect her racing strategy.
Sarah Tiptoo of Kenya and Saeki Makino of Japan led the women and men early, but both fell back less than half way through the 26.2 mile race.
Masazumi Soejima of Japan successfully defended his wheelchair title, and also won here from 2005 through 2010. His time was 1:41:49.
Christine Greer was the first women’s wheelchair finisher, crossing in 2:55:29.
A fireworks show over Ala Moana Beach Park signaled the start of the marathon at 5 a.m.
A pack of professional runners led a throng of 22,068 runners onto the 26 mile course, including defending champions Gilbert Chepkwony and Ehitu Kiros. Chepkwony fell out of contention midway through the race and did not finish. Kiros was sixth among the women and 18th overall.
The race winds through downtown Honolulu and continues into Waikiki. The runners make the first of two climbs around Diamond Head on their way into Kahala and out to Kalanianaole Highway. They’ll loop through Hawaii Kai and head back toward Diamond Head and the finish line at Kapiolani Park.
For live results, go to http://live.pseresults.com/e/134#/.
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