KEN
Dennis Kimetto
Champion 2013 — 2:09:39
Won Chicago in 2013 and set the marathon world record of 2:02:57 in Berlin in 2014, the first man under 2:03.
Where a Honolulu win leads
The path forward.
The tape at Kapiolani Park is not the end of a story. For a striking number of athletes it is the first line of one — the win that turns a promising runner into a marathoner the sport plans around.
3
World records set by former Honolulu champions
2
Olympic marathon medals, including a gold
10+
World Marathon Major titles won after Honolulu
The upside
What a win unlocks
01
Prize money that funds a season
A win, a fast time and a record bonus can be worth more than $50,000 in a single morning — enough to train full time for a year.
02
A December result on the record
Honolulu sits at the end of the calendar, so a win here is the freshest line on a résumé when spring major invitations are decided.
03
Agents, brands and majors
The race is covered internationally and watched by managers. A Honolulu title regularly converts into a start in Boston, London, Chicago or New York.
04
Proof you can race, not just run
Heat, humidity and Diamond Head make Honolulu a tactical, honest race. Winning here says you can beat people, not just a pace band.
Career paths
Champions, and what came next
A selection of Honolulu winners whose careers took off from the Diamond Head road.
KEN
Brigid Kosgei
Champion 2016 & 2017 — course record 2:22:15
Won Chicago and London, then ran 2:14:04 in Chicago in 2019 for the women's world record, and took Olympic marathon silver in Tokyo.
KEN
Wilson Kipsang
Champion 2012 — 2:12:31
Set the marathon world record of 2:03:23 in Berlin in 2013 and went on to win London, New York and Tokyo.
KEN
Lawrence Cherono
Champion 2015, 2016 & 2017
Used the Honolulu titles as a launchpad to win both Boston and Chicago in 2019, two World Marathon Majors in a single year.
KEN
Joyciline Jepkosgei
Champion 2018 — 2:22:15
Won the New York City Marathon in 2019 on debut over the distance in the city, then won the London Marathon in 2021.
RSA
Josia Thugwane
Champion 1995 — 2:16:08
Became Olympic marathon champion in Atlanta in 1996, South Africa's first Black Olympic gold medallist.
KEN
Ibrahim Hussein
Champion 1985, 1986 & 1987
The first African winner of the New York City Marathon and the first to win Boston, taking three Boston titles in all.
KOR
Bong-ju Lee
Champion 1993 — 2:13:16
Olympic marathon silver medallist in Atlanta 1996 and Boston Marathon champion in 2001.
ERI
Yemane Haileselassie
Champion 2024 — 2:11:59
An Olympic steeplechaser who took his first marathon win in Honolulu and returned in 2025 as a marker for the next generation.
December 13, 2026
The next name on the list
Every December the elite field lines up in the dark at Ala Moana with the same opportunity: a fast, honest race in front of an international audience, real money on the table, and a result that opens doors in the spring. The history is written. The next chapter is not.
Elite athlete enquiries
Athlete managers and agents seeking an invitation to the elite field should contact the Honolulu Marathon Association directly. Invitations are issued ahead of the December race and include travel and accommodation for selected athletes.
honolulumarathon.org