Kiprotich wins men’s Honolulu Marathon; Tight finish in women’s race
Kenyans ruled the day at the Honolulu Marathon today, winning both the men’s and women’s races.
Filex Kiprotich of Kenya won the men’s race with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 43 seconds. Kipchirchir broke away from a pack of six men out front late in the 26.2-mile race.
Kiprotich’s time is the second-fastest in the event’s 43-year history. Defending champion Wilson Chebet finished second in 2:12:46.
The six leaders were within two seconds of the lead at the 30 kilometer mark, hitting it in 1:34:29 to 1:34:31.
Defending women’s champion Joyce Chepkirui of Kenya won in 2:28:34. She pulled out to a lead after the midway mark and covered the first 25 kilometers in 1:25:30. But with less than five miles to go, Lucy Kirimi had closed to within seven seconds of her lead, with Isabella Ochichi just two seconds behind Kirimi in third.
They remained in those places at the finish, with Kirimi crossing in 2:28:55 and Ochichi in 2:29:44.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Masazumi Soejima was the first competitor to cross the finish line. The men’s wheelchair winner from Japan, finished in one 1:33:12. His countryman Ryota Yoshida was second in 1:33:29. It was Soejima’s ninth Honolulu Marathon win.
About 30,000 runners are participating in the Honolulu Marathon.
Police closed a number of roads along the course in Downtown Honolulu, Kakaako, Waikiki and East Honolulu through Hawaii Kai until most participants had passed.
The closures include part of the H-1 Freeway from Waialae Avenue to Ainakoa, the makai side of Kalanianaole Highway and a number of roads leading to the finish at Kapiolani Park.
Skies were clear and winds were light at the beginning of the race.
The winds were expected to shift to the southeast later in the morning, bringing warmer and more humid conditions by the afternoon.
CORRECTION: Filex Kiprotich won the men’s race of the Honolulu Marathon. His name was misspelled in an earlier version of this story.
9 responses to “Kiprotich wins men’s Honolulu Marathon; Tight finish in women’s race”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
congrats!
I think I can walk a mile.
Three mile island?
Better Marathon times would be possible in Honolulu if our roadways were in much better conditions, and without any potholes.
HONGERA!!
I have an issue with the Kenyans’ entering these races held in major US cities. They are world class runners and in most races, between the 7 of them, one will prevail. It’s clearly an unfair advantage when you have them compete with those of lesser talents. It’s like a cheetah racing against a 3 toed sloth on hard pavement.
The US while conducting races should consider a Kenyan race exclusively for world class athletes. Let the lesser talented mortal prevail.
Dave Reardon – You’ve not mentioned the prize. Cars, cash, precious medals, spa treatments ?
Call me a spoil sport – I’m just stating the facts.
Can’t blame a nation if their people are much more active and healthier than the, lazy, smartphone hungry Americans are. Add indolent, too!
lol
At least these foreign contesters are supporting an American Company by wearing their uniform. My disclaimer is that I am a Nike shareholder.