Asefa Mengstu and Asayech Ayalew Bere swept the top spots for Ethiopia in the 50th Honolulu Marathon today. After dealing with strong winds heading into East Oahu, Mengstu ran stride for stride with Kenya’s Barnabas Kiptum on the return leg down Kalanianaole Highway before breaking away in the 22nd mile. Mengstu finished with a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, 40 seconds and snapped Kenya’s streak of 14 consecutive Honolulu Marathon champions. He claimed his fifth career marathon victory and the first prize of $25,000 in his Honolulu debut. Abebech Afework Bekele, also of Ethiopia, finished second at 2:34:39.

Source: Ethiopian News December 11, 2022 21:35 UTC