Denver Marathon Race Report
Posted Monday, 20 October, 2008
DENVER - (October 19, 2008) - The 2008 Denver Marathon™, the largest marathon event in Colorado, celebrated its third edition on Sunday morning in the Mile High City, including a marathon, a half-marathon, ING Marathon Relay and the McDonald's Mile Kids Race. The race weekend brought nearly 8,000 athletes from 13 countries and 46 states to experience running at 5,280 feet, while also bringing elite field winners from as far away as Kenya and as close as Lakewood, Colo. More than 100 participants represented 11 charity programs selected by the Denver Marathon raising more than $200,000 for various charities.
Marathon Results:
A team of Kenyans swept the men's full marathon place finishers with Jynocel Basweti winning the full marathon in 2 hours, 22 minutes, 13 seconds. Richard Kimeli took second place in 2:23:54 and Jonathan Ndambuki, the 2007 Denver Marathon winner, taking third (2:24:53).
In the women's marathon, Nuta Olaru from Romania took first place with a time of 2:42:18. Judy Kiplimo from Kenya came in second (2:45:11) and Patty Rogers from Lakewood, Colo. took third (2:54:27).
Half Marathon Results:
Colorado men and women swept the podium for the half-marathon this year: Joel Hamilton from Lakewood took first in the half with his 1:10:40; Josephat Keino (KEN) from Denver was runner-up in 1:11:29 and Ewen North from Boulder took third (1:12:56).
Three women from Colorado reached the podium in the half: Loring Watkins of Littleton took first in 1:24:00; Rachel Foss Viele from Vail took second place (1:25:42) and Karen Melliar-Smith of Denver took third in 1:25:44.
ING Marathon Relay:
Holding the title as the 2008 ING Four-Person Marathon Relay team, the Runner's Roost relay team came in first with their 2:32:48.
McDonald's Mile Kids Race:
The McDonald's Mile Kids Race had an unprecedented 1,300 participants in its one mile fun run and other younger races to promote balanced active lifestyles in the state of Colorado. Ronald McDonald kicked off the event with a stretching and fitness session to prepare for the McDonald's Mile Kids Race.
"Today was beautiful - a perfect day for running - which helped our thousands of athletes compete at their highest abilities to make this marathon one of the best in the nation," said Anton Villatoro, Executive Director of the Denver Marathon. "On behalf of everyone at the 2008 Denver Marathon, we congratulate today's winners and all race participants, but most importantly, the great people in the city of Denver for supporting this event and making it a great tradition for all Coloradoans."
The course highlighted the cultural diversity of Denver's communities by incorporating a mix of urban neighborhoods, shopping and restaurant districts, city parks and residential areas. The race course - flat and with little to no elevation change - was certified by USA Track & Field as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
For more information and race results, visit: www.DenverMarathon.com
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