New Bedford Half Marathon- Sunday, March 15, 1998

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Results

Mohamed Elhattab in 1:06.04

New Bedford, MA - Despite strong competion from the first 1998 USATF-NE Grand Prix half-marathon in Melrose, New Bedford fielded a strong and enthusiastic group of runners for its 21st annual half-marathon. The eventual winner, Mohamed Elhattab, was just a few yards ahead at five miles, but there was nothing but daylight at the finish when he came across the line in 1:06.04. Mohamed is 22 years old and currently living in Orlando FL where he is working on his English.

Tatiana Ivanova - first

It was a repeat for Tatiana Ivanova, the 27 year old from St. Petersburg, FL, formerly St. Petersburg, Russia. While Tatiana was warming down after the race, her coach explained that this race was preparation for the Los Angeles marathon in two weeks. Like all coaches he was very guarded in predicting any outcome for her future marathon career. Tatilana finished in sixth place for the 1996 Olympic Trials and he felt that she is running very well and capable of breaking 2:30 for the marathon.

A strong breeze, in all directions, and a temperature of 35 degrees still did not stop nearly 1,600 runners from attacking the loop half marathon course known for its two hills at miles two and twelve respectively. Nor could a strong gust of breeze that threatened to collapse the finishline balloon arch, dampen the enthusiasm of the hundreds of volunteers who help make this event one of the favories for New Englanders. According to starter, Dave Richards, you can set your watch by the 11:00 gun, and he was right again this year. Another tradition of New Bedford is the famous fish and chowder festivities after the race. Well, we partook in this tradition as even non-runners were welcomed by the scores of volunteers handing out the food. An hour later, after two servings of chowder, we were walking back to the car and came across the last finisher just crossing the line.

Go - Jane Goodman

You can check her time and age in the results, but her joy had to be seen to be believed. The first thing she said was - "Where is my medal." Guess what, there was a volunteer waiting to put the medal around her neck, 2:48.20 after the start. At At most events the finish line would have been long packed up - not at New Bedford!

See you there next year and the chowder was great.