Chicago Marathon Gets A New Course Record
The Chicago Marathon had several new records set on its 36th anniversary, including a new course records and the highest number of event participants ever. While there were security concerns about the sports event, with heavily armed officers covering the event, a record 40,230 refused to be deterred.
A new record of 2:03:45 was set by the male division winner, Kenyan Dennis Kimetto. He beat the previous record of 2:04:38, reports Chicago Tribune. Kimetto was followed by two fellow teammates from Kenya to claim the first three finishes. Geoffrey Mutai, who claimed the second finish, also beat the course record with a time of 2:03:52.
Rita Jeptoo, also of Kenya, won the women’s division with a time of 2:19:59, according to ABC News. The Chicago Marathon course record for women stands at the 2002-set time of 2:17:18. Second finish went to Jemima Sumgong Jelegat, from Kenya, with a time of 2:20:48. Russia’s Maria Konovalova took third with her time of 2:22:46.
The wheelchair race was also highly competitive. South Africa’s Ernst Van Dyk took first in the male wheelchair division with a finishing time of 1:30:37. Illinois’ own Tatyana McFadden, from Champaign, claimed first for the female wheelchair division, finishing in 1:42:37.
Before the marathon began a moment of silence was held to honor the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Since those attacks concern around large public events like road races have gotten heightened security. Over a thousand law enforcement and anti-terror agents patrolled the crowds, including officers with bulletproof Homeland Security vests. Helicopters and bomb-sniffing dogs were in use as well.
Despite security concerns the mild weather and pleasant sunshine brought out a record number of runners. Some runners and spectators remarked feeling unconcerned about security problems, reassured by the large police presence.
Though the morning began cool, as noon drew closer some Chicago Marathon runners found themselves struggling with rising temperatures.
[Image via maxhphoto / Shutterstock.com]
