Big news buoys marathoners
| • | First-time runner finishes marathon in 6 hours 2 minutes |
| • | Advertiser special: 2003 Honolulu Marathon |
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
Tired and aching, first-time Honolulu Marathoner Eric Johnson was elated to hear of the capture of Saddam Hussein.
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
Johnson, a 38-year-old native of Fargo, N.D., and a member of the Air National Guard, said he recently returned from Iraq, and the news of Saddam's capture was all he could talk about.
The Stars and Stripes flapped above the finishers of yesterday's Honolulu Marathon. More than 25,000 ran the race.
"Today will be more remembered for that (Saddam's capture) than for the marathon," Johnson said.
The cool, clear morning drew 25,283 runners — 22,121 of whom crossed the finish line in Kapi'olani Park yesterday.
Many marathoners spoke of seeing signs on the side of the course declaring the news about Saddam's capture. Some thought it was a hoax.
Dan Brown, a 45-year-old veteran from Kailua who works as a computer specialist for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, completed his seventh marathon yesterday and said the grueling event was made all the more special by the big news.
"It feels pretty awesome," Brown said, as he reclined on a bench wearing his dog tags and a desert camouflage cap. "I'm glad they got him."
Mickey Campaniello, a former Hawai'i resident now living in Bangkok, Thailand, said, "It's great to be an American isn't it?"
A constant, thumping beat of music emanated from the finish line tower as local residents and runners from around the globe ran, walked and, in some instances, skipped their way through the 31st Honolulu Marathon.
Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser
Robert Rose, also known as "Lopaka Loke," donned traditional Hawaiian ceremonial garb, headdress and all, before running the entire 26.2-mile course — barefoot. It was the fourth shoeless marathon for the 39-year-old Rose, a Pearl City resident who finished the course in a little more than four hours.
Wearing a headdress and malo, Robert "Lopaka Loke" Rose of Pearl City ran his fourth shoeless marathon yesterday.
"He just likes to go native," said his wife, Cathy.
Rose, a Navy SEAL, said his costume, complete with wooden spear, weighed 9 pounds.
"I'm proud to be Hawaiian, that's all," Rose said.
As the marathoners ended their long morning, they were greeted by live music, food tents and thousands of onlookers.
The event, sponsored by Japan Air Lines, drew 15,149 Japanese entrants. Several Japanese businesses and tour groups that sponsored racers from Japan had elaborate after-race set-ups featuring greeters dressed as Santa, and buffets of noodles and sushi.
Lea and Winne Wakabayashi of Pacific Palisades were one of many mother-daughter pairs to finish the race. For Lea, 24, it was her fourth marathon and for Winne, 55, it was her 19th.
"It's the challenge; it keeps me young," Winne Wakabayashi said.
Mike Garcia, a 56-year-old Pearl City resident who finished his 25th marathon yesterday, said he considered it a training run. Garcia is preparing for a 100-mile race at the Hawai'i Nature Center in January.
Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8110.
