Ethiopian gets his third big win this year

A vintage battle between the two superpowers of distance running -- Ethiopia and Kenya -- added a fresh and exciting element to an often-predictable mix in a marathon that resembled a world-class track meet for a few minutes yesterday.

In what appeared to be ideal conditions early in the day, Ambesse Tolossa, 29, unseated defending champion Jimmy Muindi, 33, to win the 34th Honolulu Marathon in 2:13:42, an average pace of 5:06 per mile for 26.2 miles. It was the first time an Ethiopian has ever won in Honolulu, and Tolossa earned $41,000 for his efforts. Five-time winner Muindi, of Kenya, finished second in 2:14:39, a full 3 1/2 minutes off his best time in Honolulu. Eric Wainana, also from Kenya, was third in 2:16:08.

Tolossa's limited English required that an equally exhausted fourth-place finisher, Araya Haregot, translate for the media following the race. Fresh from two marathon wins this season at the San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in June and the Tokyo International Marathon in February, Tolossa said he felt confident about his third major victory of the year after evaluating Muindi's breathing and rhythm late in the race, and sensing he could make a move that would go unanswered.

"I'm so happy," he said simply.

Muindi certainly fought hard for a sixth win, battling illness in a race involving a bit of physical contact.

"The conditions were perfect for a good run," said Muindi. "I was aiming for 2:10 or 2:11. But I've been a mess, sleeping a lot. I could feel my body was not that smooth."

Frustrated with what he considered a slow pace last year, Muindi solved the problem by inviting his own pacemaker. Boniface Muema, aided by world-class miler Nate Brannen for the first 5 miles, helped the men set a blazing pace. With a new course record in mind, they rattled off 4:52 miles and hit the 10K in 30:18.

"The pace at 10K was perfect," said Muindi. "For me, it was very comfortable."

But gradually, the group dwindled and slowed. The final pack of six included two Ethiopians -- Tolossa and Haregot -- and Kenyans Muindi, Wainana, Eric Nzoiki and rabbit Muema. Three-time Honolulu Marathon champion Mbarak Hussein, 41, struggled to stay with the leaders, quickly fell off the pace and dropped out at the 10K mark due to a calf injury.

Whenever Muindi eased off to let the others take control, the cadence decreased. "I go behind, and they are not running!" Muindi said.

After the 10K, the race became more tactical. Toni Reavis, a commentator for Fox Sports Network announcing his 24th Honolulu Marathon, observed that the lead men might have "gotten in over their heads" early in a marathon not known for producing negative splits -- running the second half faster than the first -- when temperatures tend to rise with the sun.

As they ran through the halfway point in 1:06:18, Muindi seemed impatient, anxious to make his move.

The rabbit stepped off the road at 25K. After rather pedestrian 5:10 and 5:17 miles, Muindi hit the 30K in 1:35:32, and made a "huge strike," according to Barahal, with a 4:54 19th mile. But Tolossa and Haregot reeled him in quickly.

"I tried to see if I could open up," said Muindi, whose surge dropped three in the pack. "But I could not hold it."

Soon Tolossa and Muindi dropped Haregot, and the jostling began. Tolossa claimed they were helping each other to run a faster time, but Muindi saw it differently.

"From there, he was messing with me," said Muindi. Running in such close proximity that the two men touched constantly, Tolossa almost forced the Kenyan into the oncoming crowd of runners heading toward Hawaii Kai. So Muindi sent a message with his elbow: Give me enough space to run my full stride. Tolossa responded by dropping behind and running so close to Muindi that he nearly clipped the Kenyan's heels.

"That tactic is to mess somebody up," said Muindi. "When I'm strong, I don't mind." But today, he said, "it was very frustrating."

Climbing Diamond Head hill for the second time with the sun emerging as a massive orange sphere behind him, Tolossa made what Muindi described as "a very powerful move."

Reavis agreed.

"It was a classic match between the Ethiopians and the Kenyans, and it played out like it always does," with the Kenyan setting the pace and the Ethiopian sitting back before unleashing a punishing kick, he said.

"Tolossa just had more in his tank. It would have been nice to see them go head to head at full power, but we got lucky enough to see a footrace that went all the way to Diamond Head."

Despite the obvious affection for Muindi in Honolulu, a fresh face and a new champion "shows that it's an authentic competition," said Barahal. "We don't just stage the event so the defending champion can win it. Personally, I'm a little sad for Jimmy, but it's not a bad thing to have a new winner."