2001

Russian Lyubov Morgunova assumed the lead at 5 kilometers and held on against Svetlana Zakharova, also of Russia, to win her second straight Honolulu Marathon today.

Morgunova clocked 2:29:54 with a pace of 5:43 per mile on rain-slicked pavement in the 76-degree heat.

Meanwhile, Kenya's Mbarak Hussein put a surge on Ethiopia's Moges Taye in the last mile uphill on Diamond Head to dethrone two-time champion Jimmy Muindi of Kenya. Hussein finished in 2:15:09 on a mile pace of 5:09.3.

Krige Schabort of Georgia captured his fourth straight men's wheelchair title while Chantal Petitclerc of Canada won the women's race.

There were 23,513 entries, 19,499 starters and 19,236 finishers in the race. Honolulu remained the third largest marathon in the United States.

For Morgunova it was not the same kind of race that propelled her to new course and race records last year.

This time, the petite 30-year-old Moscovite took command and didn't relinquish it until she'd gained a 43-second victory over Zakharova.

It was the third fastest time in the history of the women's race.

Morgunova, whose margin over the auburn-haired Zakharova was only 18 seconds last year, became the first woman to ever break two-and-a-half hours on the Honolulu course twice.

Zakharova, who came into the race with three of the better women's marathon times in the world for 2001, wound up extending her record for the most runner-up finishes on the course. She now has five and won the race in 1997.

Morgunova had a surprise answer when asked if she plans to return to Honolulu next year to attempt a third straight title.

She said she and husband, Alexander, are planning to start a family next year, which might cause her to skip the 2002 race.

Italian Franca Fiacconi, who pushed the pace last year and led much of the way, was not a factor this time as she faded to an uncharacteristically slow 2:39:32.

Honolulu newcomer Elena Paramonova of Russia was third but also out of contention in 2:33:53.

The men's race was another courageous effort by the 35-year-old Hussein but it did not threaten the 15-year-old record owned by his older brother.

The younger Hussein missed three-time Honolulu Marathon champion Ibrahim Hussein's 1986 record by 3 minutes and 26 seconds. The Hussein family now owns five Honolulu Marathon titles.

While Taye (2:15:29) was Mbarak Hussein's closest rival at the end, Hussein said he had special respect for Muindi (2:15:39), who was running in his eighth race here.

Race week activities included a concert by GetBack!, the original Beatles' tribute band. Marathoners used the occasion for carbo-loading at the pre-concert, all-you-can-eat luau.

Runner Peter McClellan was awarded the prestigious Race Number 2001 for posting the winning bid in a special on-line EBAY auction for charity.

Benjamin J. Cayetano, the Governor of Hawaii, recognized Dr. Jim Barahal, President of the Honolulu Marathon Association, for his contributions in making the Honolulu Marathon the largest sporting event in Hawaii and one of the largest marathons in the world. Click here to view the Governor's commendation of Dr. Barahal.

| Madness in Honolulu |
| Failure, football & violence on the Strip |
| Getting weird for Devil's Day |

| Hussein runs away with Marathon title |
| Kenya's Hussein Marathon champ |
| Challenge, triumph ignite 2001 marathon |
| Russian women dominate, finishing 1-2-3 |
| Schabort uses mental edge for fourth consecutive title |
| Jackson surprises self in fast start |
| Marathon spikes visitor arrivals |
| Kenyan Wins Honolulu Marathon |
| Honolulu Marathon draws movie interests |
| 'Gonzo' journalist returns for Marathon |
| One extra traveler visits for every 2 runners |
| After adversity, Thugwane is back |
| Zakharova seeks return to top |
| Japan runner proves age no big deal |
| Favorites to win, there are many |
| Best times still ahead for most |
| Life's lessons learned while on the run |
| Marathon, Pearl Harbor boost ailing hotel industry |
| Ease marathon pain with carbohydrates, salt, fluids |
| Marathon day traffic familiar to many |
| Marathon sees late surge of Japanese |
| Hunter Thompson drops in on marathon |
| Honolulu Marathon attracts entrants despite tourist slump |

VIDEO
| Top Men and Women Finishers |
(RealPlayer required)

Did you know?
2001 Honolulu Marathon Factoid