Overview:
The inaugural Etpison Cup Half Marathon brought runners, relay teams and supporters together during the 33rd PSA Derby weekend, with strong performances highlighting Palau’s growing endurance sports scene.
Ngirchomlei, Aoki capture 21K solo titles as relay teams battle through Koror course
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau – (May 3, 2026) The inaugural Etpison Cup Half Marathon added a new layer of competition and endurance to the 33rd Palau Sportsfishing Association Derby weekend on May 3, drawing runners and relay teams to the streets of Koror for a full day of racing.
Held in partnership with the Belau Triathlon Association, the event started and finished at Drop-Off Bar & Grill and featured three divisions: the 21-kilometer solo race, a two-man relay and a 5K run/walk.
In the women’s 21K solo division, Natsuki Aoki crossed the finish line first in 1 hour, 55 minutes and 6.88 seconds. Mayumi Sone followed closely in second at 1:56:00.5, while Lucy Dickis secured third place with a time of 2:03:13.7.
The men’s 21K solo race saw Kraven Ngirchomlei take top honors after clocking 1:34:03. Tim Linsell stayed within striking distance throughout the race and finished second in 1:39:09.3. John Swords rounded out the podium in third place with a time of 1:42:05.1.
In the two-man relay category, Lauren Shea and Adi Rice combined for the fastest finish of the day, winning the division in 1:50:47.8. Elngoi Gibbons and Alice Andrew placed second with a time of 2:09:35, while the team of Ngeuakl Kumaichi and Jerzy Tewid finished third in 2:23:49.
The inaugural Etpison Cup Half Marathon delivered a strong debut and added another energetic attraction to the annual PSA Derby festivities, blending endurance sports with one of Palau’s signature sporting weekends.