2016 Honolulu Marathon Weekend – KENYAN CHERONO SMASHES HONOLULU COURSE RECORD

Kenya's Lawrence Cherono smashed the course record at today's 44th Honolulu Marathon which covered a hilly 26.2 mile course from Ala Moana to Kapiolani Park in Waikiki. 

Cherono, 28, clocked 2:09:39, well under the previous record of 2:11:12 set by six-time champion, Jimmy Muindi of Kenya, back in 2004.  Second place Wilson Chebet, the 2014 Honolulu Champion, finished second in 2:10:50, also under the record.  Third place went to Ethiopia's Deribe Roba in 2:13:43.  Olympic silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa was a distant fourth (2:15:57).

Cherono's time was the fourth-fastest of any marathon held in the United States in 2016, and the third-fastest winning time.

"It is great to win, it is fantastic," said Cherono who won a total of $81,000 including a $15,000 course record bonus.  "I am happy to win the race. To beat the record person in the race, it means a lot. It means a lot because it can change my life."

The women's race was more tactical, but the title still went to Kenya. Brigid Kosgei, making her Honolulu Marathon debut, claimed first place in 2:31:11, winning $40,000 in prize money.  American Lindsey Scherf of Hartsdale, N.Y., was a late entrant and finished a surprising second in 2:34:05, the first American woman on the podium here since 2012.  Third place went to 2014 Boston Marathon champion, Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia, who was timed in 2:35:34.

"I feel well because I was the winner of this year's marathon," said Kosgei.  "The weather is very hot, that's why it affected me.  But at 30 kilometers I was feeling energy and decided to push."

The wheelchair titles went to two Japanese athletes, Masazumi Soejima for the men in 1:35:35, and Wakako Tsuchida for the women in 1:50:42.

Several local runners distinguished themselves with solid performances.

The top Hawaiian residents to finish were Jacob Alplund of Honolulu (2:43:40) and Polina Carlson of Kailua (2:55:17). Alplund, a former tennis player, finished 26th overall. He is a native of Sweden and was a member of Team Hawaii at the 2016 Hapalua – Hawaii's Half Marathon.

Carlson, despite a badly upset stomach, was the sixth woman overall in 2:55:18. She ran today's race a week after claiming first at the XTERRA Trail Running World Championship Half-Marathon at Kualoa Ranch, a very difficult back-to-back double.

The Kama'aina awards, presented to the top finishers born in Hawaii, were given to Kevin Enriques (Honolulu) and Rani Henderson (Keauhou). Enriques, an accountant, ran 2:58:40 for 44th place among men. He was also the top Kama'aina in 2010.

Henderson is now a five-time winner of the top Kama'aina award thanks to her 3:05:10 performance today. She finished tenth among women and won the masters (over 40) division.

As of 3:00 p.m., finishers were still coming into Kapiolani Park and the final finisher total will not be known until late tonight (the Honolulu Marathon has an open finish line with no time cut-off).  

Some 2300 volunteers staffed 18 aid stations to make sure runners were hydrated and could get water-soaked sponges to help them keep cool.  Professional medical assistance was located throughout the course.

The race was broadcast live on KITV, the local ABC affiliate, with internationally renowned broadcaster Toni Reavis providing race analysis from the studio.  Radio coverage was handled by KKNE.

All finishers received a commemorative finisher’s shirt and a medal, and will be able to pick up their official finishers' certificate at the Honolulu Convention Center on Monday.

On Saturday, the inaugural Kalakaua Merrie Mile was contested with about 1400 runners completing a one-mile course from Kapiolani Park and back.  In a special gender battle where the elite women were given a 27-second head start, Kenya's Edwin Kiptoo was the overall winner, clocking an impressive 3:57.4.  The top woman was Canadian Olympian, Nicole Sifuentes.

Source: Honolulu Marathon