HONOLULU — Eretria's Tsegay Weldlibanos and Great Britain's Calli Hauger-Thackery were the big winners at the 2025 Honolulu Marathon on Sunday morning, crossing the finish line at a wet Kapi‘olani Park first in their respective divisions.
Of all 28,756 marathon entrants, Weldlibanos was the first runner to finish, zooming through the 26.2 miles with a time of 2:13.41. He overtook defending champion and fellow Eritrean Yemane Haileselassie, who finished as the runner-up less than a minute later at 2:14:30.
Meanwhile, Hauger-Thackery claimed victory in the women's division in 2:30.44. Kenya's Cynthia Limo, who entered as the two-time defending women's champion, finished in second at 2:31:35.
When Weldlibanos and Hauger-Thackery both completed their victories, both showed signs of visible fatigue. Weldlibanos limped after the race, while Hauger-Thackery briefly got on her knees and vomited.
"I put a lot on myself this year," Hauger-Thackery said. "There's been so many races, like the Boston Marathon, world championships, running in Chicago ... it was really hard. My only aim for today was just getting my confidence back, and then to win it was just big."
Hauger-Thackery, who calls Yorkshire her hometown, became the first British competitor to win the Honolulu Marathon in either division on Sunday.
Despite not being training partners, Weldlibanos and Hauger-Thackery coincidentally both live in Flagstaff, Ariz. So, too, does Haileselassie, who embraced Weldlibanos after the race. The two both train under coach James McCirdy.
"Training together, me and Yemane, it's good training with my team," Weldlibanos said.
Added McCirdy: "They're part of our family. My wife and I have worked really hard to cultivate a really good environment in Flagstaff, and we're honored to be with these men and the women we serve. These guys are working really hard to provide for their families, to provide for their people."
Back in Flagstaff, Weldlibanos is a delivery driver for Amazon. He also has experience as a ride-share driver.
"There's always challenges, but these men have been very patient and waiting and working really hard, working their full-time jobs on top of training full-time. They're not fully funded," McCirdy said.
Both champions on Sunday will receive a prize of $25,000, along with a solid gold medal that has significant cash value. Second-place finishers in each division will receive $10,000, while both third-place finishers won $5,000.
Additionally, Weldibanos received a cash incentive prize of $1,500 for finishing under 2:14.00, while Hauger-Thackery also got a $1,500 bonus for crossing the finish line under 2:14.00.
With the race beginning at 5 a.m. Sunday, both winners said they will take the time to enjoy O‘ahu before heading home.
"Very nice blessing, good times in Hawai‘i, Weldlibanos said.
Added Calli Hauger-Thackery: "It was an incredible, amazing experience. It's just so different. It's tropical. It feels like a holiday, so I wasn't nervous leading up to this race. Am I actually doing a marathon today? It felt like I was on holiday. I was loving the chill, the great vibes every day. Poke bowls every day. That's my favorite meal ever. I could live off poke bowls for the rest of my life."
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
