CHICAGO: Kenya’s Moses Mosop won the Chicago Marathon in a course record and Russian Liliya Shobukhova completed an unprecedented hat–trick of victories in impressive style here on Sunday.
Both champions pulled away to post emphatic victories, Mosop clocking 2’05:37 to beat the previous course record of 2’05:41 set in 2009 by the late Sammy Wanjiru.
Shobukhova, too, made it look easy as she won in 2’18:20. Only England’s Paula Radcliffe has ever run faster.
Liliya ShobukhovaMosop led a Kenyan sweep of the men’s podium. Wesley Korir was second in 2’06:15 and Bernard Kipyego third in 2’06:29.
Ethiopia’s Bekana Daba (2’07:59) and American Ryan Hall (2’08:04) completed the top five.
Mosop came into the race saying his training had been hindered by a sore Achilles tendon. There was no sign of it as he powered through the final third of the race.
“Yesterday I didn’t think I was in good shape,” Mosop said. “I’m very happy about the job I did today.”
Shobukhova’s 2’18:20 made her the second–fastest performer ever behind Radcliffe, who holds the three fastest women’s marathon times.
That includes her world best of 2’15:25 and a 2’17:18 posted at Chicago in 2002.
“I’m unbelievably happy,” said Shobukhova, 33. “It’s something special.”
In addition to seizing a slice of Chicago history, Shobukhova might have secured her 2012 Olympic berth.
Russia’s athletics federation will select their team based on the two fastest times posted between Sept 1 and the end of 2011.
“I’m overwhelmed right now,” said Shobukhova. “You’re happy. You’re excited. You’re shocked.”
Ethiopia’s Ejegayehu Dibaba was second in 2’22:09 and Japan’s Kayoko Fukushi third in 2’24:38.
The race for non–elite field – more than 37,000 runners lined up for the start – was marred by the death of a 35–year–old man who collapsed during the race.
The runner from North Carolina collapsed on the course about 500m from the finish line. Medical personnel were able to get his heart beating again but he died about two hours after he was attended to at the race.
Medical officials and authorities refused to identify the man.
“We extend our condolences and thoughts and prayers to the family,” race director Carey Pinkowski said.
Four years ago, a Michigan man who had a heart condition died during the race, and organisers had hoped that improvements in emergency strategy, additional medical aid stations and increased water distribution points would avoid any repeat of that tragedy. – Agencies
