RUN Saipan volunteer and Marianas High School alumnus Jalen Lucido on Sunday completed the Honolulu Marathon, his very first.
The 23-year-old runner’s main goal was to compete the challenge under five hours which he accomplished.
The 26.2-mile route started on Ala Moana Boulevard and stretched to the Sans Souci Beach and the Waikiki Aquarium and then to the finish line near the Kapiolani Park Bandstand.
Lucido said his training with Run Saipan had paid off, adding that he “survived” the grueling marathon.
“Of course it felt lonely because I barely know anyone here [in Honolulu], but there were a lot of people cheering us runners and that helped a lot. If only I had some family and friends from back home that were there cheering me on in person then it would have made me happier. But I know they were cheering and supporting me in spirit,” he said.
Lucido completed the marathon with a time of 04:42:37. “I was aiming to do the marathon under five hours so I felt happy and excited when I reached my goal!” he said.
Lucido is now planning to join the next Saipan Marathon. “I’ve always wanted to join that event, and I was hoping it would be my first marathon, but due to the pandemic, it didn’t happen.”
As for the Honolulu Marathon, “it’s definitely a great and humbling experience and I hope to do it again next year.”
Lucido is currently a student of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Before leaving Saipan, he attended Northern Marianas College for two years to obtain an associate degree in computer applications.
Jalen Lucido smiles as he shows his medal after finishing the Honolulu Marathon Sunday in Hawaii.
