Rookies Batliner, Chelanga Victorious at the Amica Breakers Marathon
By Don Allison
Posted Monday, 22 October, 2007
Twenty-three-year-old Payton Batliner from Boulder, Colorado proved that experience is not a prerequisite to marathon success as he cruised to a convincing victory in the 2007 Amica Breakers Marathon in Newport, Rhode Island. The former all-American at the University of Colorado took the lead at mile seven and was never challenged thereafter as he negotiated the seaside route in 2:27:06. For his efforts, Batliner pocketed the top prize of $1,000. Second place went to early leader Keven O’Neil from nearby North Kingstown in 2:30:33, while Williamsburg, Virginia’s John Piggott finished third in 2:32:18.
The story was similar on the women’s side, as marathon novice Emmily Chelanga from Sleepy Hollow, New York came from off the pace early on to win easily. The 27-year-old crossed the line in 2:56:34, more than three minutes ahead of runner-up Kelli Lusk from Belchertown, Massachusetts. Cehlanga, who finished in 11th place overall, also claimed the women’s top prize of $1,000. Tracy Stewert-Thelen from Colorado Springs rounded out the top three in 3:02:40.
More than 500 runners and 50 relay teams enjoyed the new course, which started in downtown Newport and took them through historic Fort Adams and past the breathtaking seaside views of Brenton Point, then by the world famous Newport Mansions. The second half of the marathon passed through the bucolic countryside nearby Middletown and two challenging hills before the finish at Easton’s Beach. Several participants commented that it was the most scenic marathon they had ever run.
Title sponsor Amica Insurance provided the financial support that made the Breakers Marathon possible, the only certified 26.2-mile race in the state of Rhode Island. As such, the event drew runners from more than 30 U.S. states and served as a qualifier for the 2008 Boston Marathon. Rhode Island’s Bobby Doyle, a seven-time winner of the old Ocean State Marathon, served as Grand Marshall and the honorary starter for the race.
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