Some links below may be affiliate links. BMOW may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.
As an Amazon Associate BMOW earns from qualifying purchases.
Weekend Marathon Results - January 8-9
Submitted by Rickshaw :: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:15 am
Major marathon season got back in swing this weekend in the warmer climates. Sunday saw the runnings of the Walt Disney World Marathon in Orlando and Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon in Tempe. With none of the sport's best runners competing, it was an opportunity for some of the lesser-known athletes to strut their stuff.
Ethiopia dominated the Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon, producing champions in both the men's and women's races. In only its second year, the Arizona race is already attracting many excellent marathoners. Terefe Yae was the men's winner with a finish time of 2:14:24. Defending champion Haron Toroitich ran the course last year in 2:10:33, but couldn't match that performance on Sunday and finished in second place in 2:15:40. Shi taye Gemechu eased to victory in the women's race in 2:32:51, her second consecutive Rock 'n' Roll Arizona win. Both winners received $20,000.
Brazilian Adriano Bastos easily won the Walt Disney World Marathon, leading the whole way and finishing in 2:19:16, a whopping nine minutes ahead of the next closest competitor. It was his second Disney win, and the fifth time it's been won by a Brazilian runner. Colorado's Amy Shertzer took Disney's women's crown with a comparatively slow 2:56:06, one of only two women to finish under three hours for the race. A record 24,000 runners and walkers registered for this year's marathon and half marathon, making both among the largest in the country.
