Honolulu Marathon marks 50 years as 27,000 runners hit the pavement

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu Marathon celebrated 50 years on Sunday as 27,000 runners participated in the grueling 26.2-mile race from Downtown to Hawaii Kai then back to Waikiki.

In the winner’s circle, a pair of international runners led the pack, putting up impressive times.

Ethiopia’s Asefa Mengstu took home the first overall finish for the men with an impressive clip of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 41 seconds.

“I’m happy to win this race,” he said, through a translator. “The wind was challenging me a lot.”

Not too far behind was Ethiopia’s Asayech Ayalew Bere, taking home the first finish for the women at 2 hours, 30 minutes and 58 seconds.

Gabe Tom was the first kamaaina champion to pass the finish line this year, celebrating his win with some malasadas. It’s his second Hawaii resident win.

“This was a good surprise and I’m just happy to be here,” he said.

Participation this year was near pre-pandemic totals.

Last year, there were only 16,000 participants. In 2019, it was 33,000.

SPECIAL SECTION: Watch Live Coverage of the Honolulu Marathon

As for Japan entrants, there were 6,000 participants this year compared to 566 last year. In 2019, approximately 16,000 participants were from Japan.

The Honolulu Marathon, which kicked off at 5 a.m. Sunday, is one of the country’s biggest marathons and the only world-class marathon that allows all participants to finish. That means there’s no cut-off time.

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