Results/Photos

Date: Oct. 3, 2026 Participant: Hajime Sakai #42 Race: 2026 St. George Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Podium run built on a brilliant second half Hajime Sakai put together a standout St. George Marathon, finishing 3rd overall in 2:17:08 at 5:14 per mile. He settled in quickly, moving from 8th at mile 1 to the lead by mile 5, and handled the Veyo stretch with control: after 5:08 at mile 7, he kept the climb steady with 5:54 and 5:35 at miles 8 and 9. What really defined the day was how strongly he came down the road after halfway. His second half was 1:07:45, faster than his 1:09:23 first half, and his third quarter was exceptional: 32:35 for 6.55 miles at 4:58 pace. Miles 15 through 17 were especially sharp at 4:46, 4:42, and 4:51, and that surge carried him back to the lead at mile 16 before he battled all the way home for a well-earned podium finish.