Yemane Haileselassie, an Eritrean asylum seeker in the U.S., achieved a momentous victory at the 52nd Honolulu Marathon. Haileselassie, who typically drives a rideshare vehicle by night in Flagstaff, Arizona, surpassed his competition to claim his first marathon win. Alongside him, Cynthia Limo of Kenya secured the women’s title, marking her second consecutive victory in Honolulu since 2016.
The marathon course, spanning from Downtown Honolulu to Hawaii Kai and back to Kapiolani Park, witnessed Haileselassie’s remarkable performance, clocking in at 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 59 seconds. This win not only earned him a $25,000 prize but also potentially advances his pursuit of U.S. citizenship, a dream he aspires to realize for his family residing in Eritrea.
Haileselassie, a former Olympic steeplechase competitor, transitioned to marathons for their lucrative rewards. Despite facing a foot blister during the race, his determination and support from vocal fans propelled him to victory. His coach, James McKirdy, highlighted the significance of this win, not just for Haileselassie but for his family’s future and immigration prospects.
Conditions during the marathon were favorable, with cool temperatures and calm winds compared to previous years. Reuben Kerio of Kenya, who finished third last year, and Kensuke Horio of Japan also showcased strong performances, emphasizing the competitive spirit of the event.
On the women’s front, Cynthia Limo’s impressive finish in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 14 seconds secured her back-to-back victories, following in the footsteps of Brigid Kosgei’s earlier successes. Limo’s triumph was hard-earned, with Sandra Tuei of Kenya closely trailing behind. Limo’s dedication and mental strength propelled her towards victory, solidifying her status as a respected marathon champion.
The marathon also saw top Hawaii resident finishers, Jared Breaux and Kathryn Watt, demonstrating local talent in the competitive field. Additionally, Japan dominated the wheelchair marathon competition, underscoring the international appeal and diversity of participants in the Honolulu Marathon.
With a record 36,000 participants across various race categories, including the Start to Park 10K, the marathon showcased inclusivity and endurance. Notable individuals like Gary Dill and Gerald Chun, who have participated in every Honolulu Marathon, continued their remarkable streak, embodying the enduring spirit of the event.
As the 52nd Honolulu Marathon concluded, the achievements of Haileselassie and Limo stood out as testaments to perseverance and athletic excellence. Their victories not only celebrated individual triumphs but also reflected the global appeal and competitive nature of one of the world’s renowned marathons.
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