HONOLULU — Mathea Allansmith finished the 2021 Honolulu Marathon, Sunday in 10 hours, 38 minutes, and 59 seconds.
At 91 years old, Allansmith finished first in her Female 90+ age category in the 26.2-mile marathon that only opened to in-person participation just weeks before the Dec. 12 event because of the COVID-19 rules and restrictions.
As it was, the Honolulu Marathon ran in accordance with stipulations set out by the Mayor of Honolulu where all participants over 12 years of age showed proof of COVID-19 vaccinations or a negative COVID-19 test.
Beyond that, Mathea’s daughter, Lauren Allansmith, said her mother was the oldest woman to finish this year’s marathon where Emmanuel Saina traveled from Kenya to take the overall finish on a 2:14:30 run over the course that started on Ala Moana Blvd and coursed around Diamond Head to Hawai‘i Kai, and returning to the Kapiolani Park.
“She’s on track for the World Record for oldest woman to finish a marathon in 2022,” Lauren said in an email. “Harriette Thompson did it at 92 years, 65 days, Gladys Burrill at 92 years, 19 days. Mathea is now 91 years, and 195 days.”
The first female to finish the marathon hails from Canada, Lanni Marchant tripping the tape fourth overall on a 2:41:24 run.
The second and third overall finishers, John Banner and Billy Barnett, were both from the Big Island, Banner stopping the clock at 2:35:24, more than 21 minutes behind Saina, and Barnett clocking 2:36:48, just a minute back of his Big Island counterpart.
Andrew Schifalacqua, running in the 25-29 category, of Wailua did the first Kaua‘i honor in 83rd place overall on a 3:20:03 run.
Mary Cote of Kalaheo not only was the first Kaua‘i woman finisher at 3:31:51, 156th overall. Running in the 55-59 age group, Cote joined Allansmith by finishing top in her age group.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
