Mittelholzer breaks three-hour barrier with 21st-place Atlantic City finish

Guyana’s Hicks Mittelholzer achieved a major milestone in his distance-running career on Sunday, clocking two hours, 57 minutes and 32 seconds to finish 21st overall at the Atlantic City Marathon in New Jersey, United States.

Mittelholzer placed eighth in the listed men’s 20–29 age-group standings, which comprised 225 runners, while the marathon recorded 1,239 classified finishers. His chip time put him two minutes and 28 seconds inside the three-hour barrier, fulfilling one of his biggest personal goals.
The Guyanese runner maintained a recorded average pace of six minutes and 47 seconds per mile and was among 30 finishers who completed the marathon in under three hours.
“I am extremely grateful to have achieved one of my biggest goals—completing the Atlantic City Marathon in under three hours,” Mittelholzer said. “Breaking the three-hour barrier is a major milestone in my journey as a long-distance athlete and a moment I will always cherish.”
Despite the importance of the target, Mittelholzer said he tried to avoid becoming preoccupied with his finishing time. Instead, he concentrated on staying composed, taking the race one mile at a time and following the plan he had practised during training.
Changes to his fuelling and hydration strategy also contributed to the performance. He remained disciplined with his intake of energy gels, fluids and electrolytes, which helped him maintain his energy and negotiate difficult periods during the race.
For Mittelholzer, the achievement reflected the early mornings, demanding training sessions, sacrifices and lessons that formed part of his preparation.
“Completing a marathon is always an achievement, but finishing in under three hours makes this experience even more meaningful,” he said.
He thanked the Ministry of Natural Resources, Royal Castle, International Imports and Supplies, and Akbar Auto Sales for supporting his participation. Their assistance, he said, helped make the opportunity possible, and he was proud to have represented both his supporters and Guyana.
Mittelholzer also acknowledged his family, friends, the running community and everyone who offered encouragement, saying their support contributed to his success.
His next major target is a marathon in under two hours and 50 minutes. While recognising that this will require greater discipline, smarter training and continued support, he said the Atlantic City performance had strengthened his belief that the goal was achievable.
Andrew Madigan won the marathon in 2:29:13, ahead of Jr Creekmore in 2:35:24 and Marty McCormick in 2:39:05.
Sydney Koons led the women’s field with 3:07:24, followed by Jessica Petersen in 3:08:36 and Corinne Barney in 3:08:55. (Michelangelo Jacobus)