1977

Jeff Wells, a 23-year-old theology student from Madisonville, Tex., led a string of 2,900 runners across a Kapiolani Park finish line yesterday in the largest participation sports event in Hawaii's history, the fifth annual Honolulu Marathon.

Wells' time for the 26-mile, 385 yard grind was 2 hours, 18 minutes and 37.1 seconds - no threat to any world or U.S. records but the second best time of the five Honolulu Marathons.

Wells, who had been considered the favorite by the world-class runners in the meet, was followed in by Herman Atkins of Everett, Wash., a 28-year -old who had surprised handicappers of the race by leading it for the first 13 miles. Atkins time was 2:20:54.2.

City Parks and Recreation Department worker Cindy Dalrymple was the first woman to finish, making it home in 2:48:07.6, her best marathon clocking and second women's title.

Dalrymple, a 35-year-old single parent, faced one of the stiffest tests any woman marathoner has had to measure up to, conquering a field of over 600, reportedly the largest delegation of women ever to test 26 miles and 385 yards at one time.

Bruce Mitchell, one of three wheelchair entrants to the marathon, finished 103rd clocking in at 2 hours, 55 minutes and 26.3 seconds.

The loudest applause of the afternoon was reserved for the youngest marathon finisher: 6-year-old Kevin Greenwell of Waialae.