Dickie, 28, was the overall winner in 1 hour, 11 minutes, 24 seconds — only 36 seconds off the course record set in 1992 by Jim Tuson.

"I was surprised at the level of fitness I have been able to maintain," said Dickie, referring to his job as an aide to the General of the Pacific Air Forces. "I have a very busy schedule, so I was happy with my performance today."

The race for second was a virtual dead heat as Christian Friis and Olympic Trial qualifier Brantley Lutz both were timed in 1:12:54.

Dickie and Friis took the lead the first two miles and after Friis dropped back, Lutz joined Dickie in the lead. When the hill got steeper, Lutz fell off the pace and Dickie took control of the race.

Dickie said his "next big goal is the Marine Corps Marathon, and I will also run some of the local races. I hope I can qualify for the Olympic Trials in the marathon."

Carpenter, 38, was the first female finisher in 1:30:39, a minute slower than her time last year. Fariyal Samson finished second in 1:32:29 and Katey Mobley was third in 1:32:42.

"I never get to train too much during the summer," said Carpenter, who is married to a Navy officer. "With two kids there is not much time for training. It is easier when the summer holiday is over."

Carpenter, who has run a 3:07 marathon, said she is training for the Honolulu Marathon. "I hope I can break 3 hours," she said.

"It is a wonderful race and view," said school teacher Wayne Joseph, 55, of Hilo. "Seeing that view made it all worth it."

Joseph also is president of the Big Island Road Runners and organizes the Big Island International Marathon and 10-mile race in March.

"This was my first time up here, and my first time running a half marathon," said Dan Tomlinson, 37. "It was a unique experience."

There were 1,700 participants in yesterday's two races, which are organized by the American Cancer Society.

"We had a lot more participants this year," said Michelle Hashimoto of the society.