Guyanese runner Hicks Mittelholzer targets sub-three-hour finish at Seoul Marathon

Guyanese long-distance runner Hicks Mittelholzer is aiming to break the three-hour mark at the Seoul Marathon on Sunday as he continues his push to become one of the country’s top distance athletes.

Mittelholzer, originally from Kwakwani and now living in Georgetown, said the 26.2-mile race represents another step in his ambition to establish himself among elite marathon runners.

“My overall goal is to finish under three hours,” he said ahead of the race.

The Seoul Marathon is his second major marathon after competing in the Barbados Marathon in 2025, where he finished the race in three hours, 24 minutes.

Although that race was primarily for experience, he performed strongly, placing first in the 21-25 age category, sixth among male runners, and eighth overall.

Mittelholzer said his journey into distance running began modestly in 2018, when he started running casually along the Georgetown seawall.

As his interest grew, he began competing more seriously, eventually representing the University of Guyana (UG) where he emerged as one of the institution’s top athletes.

In 2024, he became UG’s champion long-distance athlete, and in 2025 he was crowned overall male champion athlete at the university.

Over time he progressed from shorter races to longer distances.

“As time progressed, the hunger grew and I wanted a bigger challenge,” he said, explaining that he gradually moved from 5km races to 10km events, before taking on the marathon distance.

He acknowledged that marathon running requires significant preparation, including specialised equipment, proper nutrition and recovery.

“It’s really challenging to run the distance,” he said.

Mittelholzer, who works as an aircraft technician with the Guyana Defence Force, said he hopes his journey can inspire other aspiring athletes in Guyana.

“There are a lot of people in Guyana who have talent and want to do this, but many things can hold them back,” he said. “I want to show that there is a way.”

He credited his progress to support from the local running community, particularly Stride 592, as well as training partners he refers to as the “4 a.m. club.”

Mittelholzer also thanked his sponsors, including Royal Castle and Bounty Farms, for helping make his participation in the Seoul Marathon possible.

“There has been a lot of work, determination and pushing to get here,” he said.