I just completed my 20th Honolulu marathon in about 3:02:35. They used a new computer chip system this year it was the consistency of a label and it poured rain at the start and at times during the race so my time did not show on the initial results sheet. Some other competitors with the same problem as I had and I went to the officials and gave them our times so they should rectify it. The results say I placed 1st in my age category but I think it will be second because I ran with a guy from Bend Oregon who was in my category and he did 2:57 and it says I placed 61st male and 70th overall with about 28,000 entrants. I ran with a 26 year old nurse from Salt Lake City, Utah and we had a great time. I shared some of my gels and salt pills with her and coached her along then sent her on her way at 23 miles and she finished 1 minute ahead of me.
Mark A. Shortert
It was cool and wet at the start but once we got going the humidity and heat engulfed us. There was very little wind for Honolulu. The men’s winner did 2:17 and the women’s winner did 2:33.Cara was out on the course and I got to see her twice, I am so lucky to have her out there supporting me. She watched me go by near our condo then she ran up Diamond Head and caught me at the finish. Now she is back at the condo icing her foot as it has been swelling a bit. I was luck to have no real problems after the marathon other than some chafing from the wet weather.
Nicola Gildersleeve, who used to work for us at North Shore Athletics, ran 3:13 but found it pretty tough and I saw a few other people I knew from Vancouver. B.J. McHugh – an 80 year old Capilano Eagle and North Shore resident finished in 5:08:10 and handily won her age category and set a new world record for her age group, she is pretty amazing!
We are in Honolulu until Dec. 24th so still have lots of time to relax, run, swim and ride around Oahu.
