FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
40th MCM is Third Largest in Event History; MCM10K Results in Close Finish
Both events celebrated in Arlington and Nation's Capital on Oct. 25
QUANTICO, VA (Oct. 26, 2015) - The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on Sunday,
Oct. 25 celebrated 23,194 runners to a successful finish at the 40th
anniversary of the event. The MCM10K presented by Aetna enjoyed its largest
participation and closest finish. The events were held simultaneously in
Arlington, VA and throughout the nation's capital.
With his arm pointed toward the sky, U.S. Army Lt. Trevor Lafontaine won
the 40th MCM breaking the finish tape in 2:24:25. Lafontaine, of Cornwall,
NY, is a member of the U.S. Army Running Team. The 22-year-old said "it is
awesome to be the Marine Corps Marathon Champion," after finishing ahead of
Mexican runner Oscar Mateo Santos, 32, who completed the 26.2 mile course
in 2:26:08. Brian Flynn, 32, of Rockingham, VA claimed third in 2:26:54.
Women MCM runners were led by Jenny Mendez Suanca, 35, of Costa Rica, who
captured her win in 2:45:56. Marine Capt. Christine Taranto, 30, of
Monterey, CA placed second completing the 26.2 mile course in 2:53:30,
while Maria Elena Jimenez, 32, of Mexico enjoyed a third-place finish at
2:55:35.
Starting across the Potomac in the nation's capital, the MCM10K resulted in
closest finish between the top three males. Showing that seconds do count,
hometown runner Jack Dasilva, 30, of Arlington, VA took first place
finishing in 34:01, just six seconds before Daniel Comite, 26, of Hilton
Head Island, S.C. Comite finished the MCM10K in 34:07 - only one second
before Derek Lactaoen, 26, of Seattle, who took third place in 34:08. The
MCM10K celebrated its 10th year with its largest field of 7,777 runners.
While there was a bit of rain in the early morning, MCM and MCM10K
finishers, spectators and U.S. Marines cheered the MCM's beloved
Groundpounders Al Richmond of Arlington, VA and Will Brown of Raleigh,
N.C., who both crossed the finish line in grand fashion on the U.S. Marine
Corps War Memorial. The Groundpounders have completed 40 consecutive MCMs,
logging a total of 1,048 miles a piece since the MCM began in 1976.
The MCM also included 83 hand cycle and wheelchair participants including
Anthony Serra, 41, of Boern, TX, who won the division in 2:32:38 and Tammy
Landeen, 38, of Milton, FL, who led female participants at 1:58:01. Landeen
also claimed the third-fastest finish among women hand cycle participants
in MCM history.
Also a tradition within the Marine Corps Marathon is the Armed Forces
Challenge, which includes elite runners from the Army, Navy, Air Force and
Marine Corps Running Teams. This year, the Army won the challenge with MCM
winner Lt. Trevor LaFontaine leading the team. Women U.S. Marines won the
challenge with Capt. Christine Taranto leading her team.
In addition, the U.S. Marines claimed victory over their running team
counterparts of the Royal Navy/ Marines in the annual Challenge Cup
Competition.
All MCM and MCM10K results are unofficial but are available online at
www.marinemarathon.com.
The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) is voted "Best Marathon" and "Best Marathon
for Spectators." The MCM honors the dedication, sportsmanship and
patriotism of its participants. Also known as "The People's Marathon,"
runners from all walks of life participate in the MCM, the largest marathon
not to offer prize money. The 40th MCM, on October 25, 2015 in Arlington,
VA, is sponsored by Arlington County, Brooks, GEICO and Hyundai. No federal
or Marine Corps endorsement is implied. #RunWithTheMarines
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