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Kenya's Lawrence Cherono smashed the course record at the 44th Honolulu Marathon which covered a hilly 26.2-mile course from Ala Moana to Kapiolani Park in Waikiki on December 11. Cherono, 28, clocked 2:09:39, well under the previous record of 2:11:12 set by six-time champion Jimmy Muindi of Kenya, back in 2004. Wilson Chebet, the 2014 Honolulu champion, finished second in 2:10:50, also under the record. Third place went to Ethiopia's Deribe Roba in 2:13:43. Olympic silver medalist Feyisa Lilesa was a distant fourth (2:15:57).

Cherono's time was the fourth-fastest of any marathon held in the United States in 2016, and the third-fastest winning time. "It is great to win, it is fantastic," said Cherono, who won $55,000 including a $15,000 course record bonus. "I am happy to win the race. To beat the record person in the race, it means a lot. It means a lot because it can change my life."

The women's race was more tactical, but the title still went to Kenya. Brigid Kosgei, making her Honolulu Marathon debut, claimed first place in 2:31:11, winning $40,000 in prize money. American Lindsey Scherf of Hartsdale, N.Y., was a late entrant and finished a surprising second in 2:34:05, the first American woman on the podium here since 2012. Third place went to 2014 Boston Marathon champion Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia, who was timed in 2:35:34.

"I feel well because I was the winner of this year's marathon," said Kosgei. "The weather is very hot, that's why it affected me. But at 30 kilometers I was feeling energy and decided to push."

The wheelchair titles went to two Japanese athletes, Masazumi Soejima for the men in 1:35:35, and Wakako Tsuchida for the women in 1:50:42.  

About 33,000 entered the Honolulu Marathon week events which included the new one-mile race, the Kalakaua Merrie Mile, held one day before the Honolulu Marathon.

2016 Honolulu Marathon - Event Overview

- Race Date: December 11, 2016

- Start: Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii

- Finish: Kapiolani Park, Honolulu, Hawaii

- Distance: 26.2 miles

- Organizer: Honolulu Marathon Association

2017 Hapalua, the sister event to the Honolulu Marathon, will take place on April 9, 2017. Please learn about the event details at: http://thehapalua.com/