Honolulu Marathon runners begin recovery after soggy race

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - If you’re seeing people walking gingerly around town, offer some words of encouragement.

After a 26.2-mile journey from Hawaii Kai to Downtown, runners are getting well-deserved rest after a wet 2025 Honolulu Marathon.

A record number of runners braved the rain to run the scenic course.

32-year-old Calli Hauger-Thackery from England came in first place in the elite women’s division with a time of 2:30:44.

She placed sixth at the Boston Marathon back in April and is the event’s first British Champion.

After training in the freezing mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, Hauger-Thackery underwent heat exposures for two weeks before the race to prepare for the humid weather in Hawaii.

Hauger-Thackery’s favorite part of the course was Diamond Head Hill.

Her hometown, Yorkshire in northern England, has many hills she runs on.

“I’m from a very hilly place, so I’m used to it,” said Hauger-Thackery. “Hills don’t scare me, thankfully. I absolutely loved the course; it was incredible.”

Although Hauger-Thackery faces a long recovery after the marathon, she says she’s taking it day by day and is prepared for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) to hit.

“I feel okay for now, but I bet you it hits me really bad tomorrow,” said Hauger-Thackery.

Her advice to those who want to run is to get a running buddy or join a club.

“I would definitely say get someone who holds you accountable to run with you. Just get involved with it because there’s nothing you can lose and it’s just an amazing time,” said Hauger-Thackery.

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If you feel inspired, registration for the 2026 race is already open.

Marathon leaders proud of event success

The Honolulu Marathon is the fourth-largest marathon in the United States and is still unique among major city marathons in that it does not have a cut-off time.

President of the Honolulu Marathon, Jim Barahal, is proud of the race’s success. He said the rain did not stop people from participating.

“There is always a certain percentage that doesn’t show up,” said Barahal. ”Many people, especially from Hawaii, sign up early, as much as a year ahead of time."

The record number of runners did not impact the race.

“We were keeping a close eye on the finish line and the density. It seemed everybody had plenty of running room,” said Barahal. “I think we’re ready to get bigger.”

Barahal added that the team handed out 40,000 malasadas this year to finishers of the race.

Related Story: Rain-soaked 2025 Honolulu Marathon produces pair of first-time winners