FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth Rules as 23 Year-Olds Kevin Havel of Laguna Niguel and
Kimberly O'Donnell of Santa Cruz Win the Ninth Annual OC Marathon
NEWPORT BEACH & COSTA MESA, Calif. - With tributes to the Boston
Marathon in abundance and emotions running high, 23-year-old Kevin Havel of
Laguna Niguel won today's OC Marathon in 2:23:34, more than two minutes
faster than runner-up Mohamed Fadil (2:25:47) of Albuquerque, NM. Kimberly
O'Donnell, age 23 of Santa Cruz, dominated the women's race finishing with
a time of 2:47:13 compared to second place Leng Klukken of Huntington Beach
(3:09:51). All three of today's divisions (marathon, half marathon and 5K)
began with a moment of silence commemorating Boston.
The 26.2 mile course began at Fashion Island in Newport Beach under cover
of darkness and ended at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.
Security measures were enhanced for today's races with public safety
officials from all jurisdictional agencies and private security at the
start, finish and on the course. Members of the SWAT Team and Bomb Squad
were present along with mounted officers from the Orange County Sherriff's
Department. No incidents were reported.
Californians led the top finishers in the half marathon, with 28 year-old
Jimmy Grabow of Whittier winning the men's race in a time of 1:07:57
followed by Ryan Cosens, age 23, of Costa Mesa taking second in 1:09:39.
Twenty-nine year-old Liz Camy of Camarillo was victorious in the women's
division in a time of 1:18:49 followed by 33 year-old Jenni Johnson of
Tustin in 1:20:39.
In addition to the moments of silence, logos for the Boston Marathon and
"The One Fund" were visible at the start and finish lines. Several running
clubs, groups, families and individuals honored the victims by wearing
"Runners for Boston", "Boston Finisher", "Boston Strong", "Boston Red Sox"
and similar themed T-Shirts and headwear. Others carried signs and banners
that read "For Boston".
"We had an amazing race weekend," said Gary Kutscher, Race Director. "From
record fields in the full and half marathons to the incredible Kids Run the
OC which continues its positive growth, a heartfelt thank you goes out to
everyone who made it happen, not the least of which are our sponsors,
charities and volunteers."
The OC Marathon is considered as one of the best full and half marathon
courses in the state due to its diverse terrain, changing vistas and
majestic ocean views. It traverses the cities of Newport Beach, Costa
Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana and boasts a blend of chic coastal scenery,
tranquil nature and sophisticated arts and shopping.
The Ninth Annual OC Marathon weekend was held May 4 and 5, 2013. More than
20,000 runners participated in the marathon, half marathon, OC Wahoo's 5K
and Kids Run the OC. Additionally, thousands of spectators lined the
course and the start line in front of the Newport Beach Marriott and finish
line at OC Fair and Event Center, while an additional 30,000 attended the
two-day Allergan Health & Fitness Expo which showcases national brands
and state of the art footwear and training technology. More information is
available at www.ocmarathon.com.
###
|
