2002

Gonzo journalist at Honolulu Marathon

Jim Barahal Interview

The Ordeal of Mamo Wolde

Honolulu - Winning doesn't seem to come easy for Mbarak Hussein in the Honolulu Marathon. For the second time since 1998, the 37-year-old Kenyan had to out sprint a rival inside Kapiolani Park for a victory.

Hussein broke the tape in 2:12:29, just 4 seconds ahead of countryman Jimmy Muindi. He had run side by side with Muindi for the last four miles before putting on a surge en route to the finish. "It's a very risky way to do it," said Hussein, who lives in Albuquerque, N.M. "But whatever it took to win."

Hussein tied his brother Ibrahim's record of three wins here. "I called him this morning when I got back to the hotel," said Mbarak.

Ibrahim, who owns the course record of 2:11:43, won in 1985-87. Mbarak also won the Honolulu Marathon in 2001 and 1998.

In 1998, he won in what was nearly a photo finish against Erick Kimaiyo. "I wanted to pull away but I couldn't" he said. "I knew Jimmy wanted his third win really bad."

Hussein said Muindi, who owned Honolulu titles in 1999 and 2000, led for much of the way. "Jimmy's a front-runner and he feels more comfortable that way, but I can run from behind."

Hussein won just a little more than a month after his 2:09:46 victory in the Seoul International Marathon on November 3rd.

Zakharova comes from behind to win

Svetlana Zakharova overtook Albina Ivanova in the last mile to lead a 1-2-3 Russian sweep and win the 30th Honolulu Marathon women's crown in 2:29:08.

It was Zakharova's second win since 1997.

Ivanova led from the 15th to the 25th mile and appeared to be in control. But Zakharova summoned something from deep inside to secure the day.

Zakharova, who set the Russian national record twice this year en route to Honolulu, had finished second here five times.

Ivanova had won the Dubai and the Siberian marathons this year. Alevtina Ivanova (no relation to Albina), who was the Prague International Marathon champion this year, finished third in 2:31:12.