FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kenyan Men, Russian Women Dominate Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio
Russia's Tatiana Pushkareva Wins Second Rock 'n' Roll
Marathon Series Race in 2009
San Antonio, TX (November 15, 2009) -- 29-year-old Gilbert Koech led a
five-man Kenyan sweep of the second annual Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio
Marathon today, notching his first marathon victory since the 2005 Las
Vegas Marathon. In testing, humid conditions, Koech broke from the five-man
lead pack shortly after the 19-mile mark, and was headed on his way to
victory in a time of 2 hours, 14 minutes and 39 seconds.
The race began under overcast skies and temperatures in the mid-60s, but
humidity hovered at over 90 percent. Notwithstanding, American
half-marathon winner Westly Keating and runner-up Shadrack Songok, both
from Texas and running in their debut half-marathons, led the accompanying
six marathon runners through a fast first 10 miles and reached the 10-mile
mark in an aggressive time of 49:25, sub-2:10 marathon pace.
"I wasn't concerned by the early pace because I felt comfortable," said
Koech, whose $17,500 first place prize equates to 1.26 million Kenyan
schillings. "I'm looking forward to coming back next year to defend my
title at this race."
After reaching the 10.7-mile-mark where the half-marathon and marathon
courses split off from one another, the six marathon runners increasingly
slowed their pace reaching the half-marathon point in 1:05:39. The pack
stayed together until just after the 19 miles when Koech made his move
running a 4:56 2oth mile to gain an initial six second advantage over
eventual third place finisher James Boit, which surprised his better
credentialed compatriots.
He remained on course record pace through 25 miles, but he began to suffer
the effects of the fast early miles and rising temperatures. It was a
difficult second half as Koech ran a split of 69:00 with a 5:45 final mile,
falling just three seconds shy of the course record. However, none of his
challengers had the firepower to close the gap that Koech had built.
"I didn't care about the time; winning was awesome. It's been a struggle
living in America with little money," said Koech, whose injuries over the
last two years had been misdiagnosed and eventually cost him his
sponsorship contracts.
He is married to two-time Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Champion Edna
Kiplagat, who was planning to run in San Antonio but was unable to due to
visa difficulties.
Washington's Drew Polley was the top American, coming in eighth with a time
of 2:20:59 in his debut marathon.
In the women's race, Tatiana Pushkareva of Russia won in a time of 2:30:30,
over four minutes ahead of countrywoman Svetlana Ponomorenko, who finished
second in 2:34:57. It was the second Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series victory
of the year for Pushkareva, who also won the Country Music Marathon in
April.
"After we hit the half marathon I was confident; I was running my pace,"
said Pushkareva, who finished fourth last year in San Antonio. "I love the
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon."
Polish Olympian Dorota Gruca finished third in 2:36:07, while Russia's
Albina Gallymova was fourth in 2:40:38. Kenya's Evelyn Lagat rounded out
the top five finishers with a time of 2:42:28.
"I felt I ran well today," said Gruca, who represented Poland in the
marathon at last year's Beijing Olympics. "I'm looking forward to running
faster in my next marathon. It was a little lonely with no one really in
front or behind me during the race. Finishing on the podium was my goal and
I achieved it."
Becca Prichard of Charleston, SC was the top American woman, finishing in
seventh place with a time of 2:52:51.
The race had nearly 26,500 starters from all 50 states and 23 countries.
Temperatures were in the mid-60s at the start line, a stark contrast from
the extreme cold that greeted runners in 2008, the event's inaugural year.
The first hour and 50 minutes of the race were held under cloudy skies,
with the sun only coming as the elite winners crossed the finish.
The third annual Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon & 1/2 Marathon is set
for Sunday, November 14, 2010.
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