Posted: September 25, 2005

Athletics: Jeremy Borling And Courtney Babcock-Key Big Winners At The 9th Annual Chicago Half Marathon

33% Increase in Runners & Free Post Race Concert by Beatles Tribute Band - British Export Spell Success

Chicago (September 25, 2005) -- For the first time in its history, 9067 runners ran across the start line today in the 9th Annual Chicago Half Marathon. This is a 33% increase over last year’s participation. Nearly 5,000 spectators helped runners brave intermittent light showers by cheering on family members, friends and colleagues as they ran the scenic 13.1 mile course through Jackson Park and beautiful South Lake Shore Drive. New Zealand running legend, Olympian and New York City Marathon winner Rod Dixon served as Honorary Starter.

Chicagoan Jeremy Borling, 25, triumphantly crossed the finish line with a time of 1:10:16, and a pace of 5:22. Preparing for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in two weeks, Borling ran back and forth with second place winner Cameron Stuber, 30, who ran a 1:11 flat with a pace of 5:26 and four time Chicago Half Marathon winner Chris Wehrman, 29, who ran 1:11:49 at a pace of 5:29. Borling broke away at mile 4 and made his move, turning up the speed at mile 8, then cruised in the last few miles. Borling began training for the Chicago Marathon only a month ago, after completing six triathlons this year – including Chicago’s Accenture Triathlon. In January, Jeremy came in third at the Walt Disney World Marathon and a few weeks ago won the 5K in the Chicago Nike Run Hit Wonder.

Second place finisher Cameron Stuber, also a Chicagoan, was the first Illinois finisher in the April 2005 Boston Marathon. Chris Wehrman made a remarkable third place finish, running with an injured hamstring.

Visiting her husband’s family in Lake Bluff, IL, first place female finisher Courtney Bobcock-Key, 33, of Missoula, Montana, decided to try the Chicago Half Marathon and finished first with a time of 1:18:05 with a pace of 5:58. This was her second half marathon, having run Seattle in May with a time of 1:16. A Canadian citizen, Courtney runs professionally and represented Canada in the 2004 Olympics in Greece.

Marlene Key of Lake Zurich posted a second place time of 1:20:35 and a pace of 6:10. Third place finisher Dorothy Gach of Morton Grove, IL had a time of 1:25:26 and a 6:32 pace. This is her fourth Chicago Half Marathon; she came in second in 2004.

In the Masters Category, Mike Egle, 43, of Glenview, IL, took the Men’s Master division with a time of 1:14:29 (5:42 pace) and Cynthia Woods, 49, from Bollingbrook, IL finished first in the women’s division with a time of 1:31:16 with a pace of 6:59. Both finished in the Top 20.

Sponsored by Chicago-based Devine Racing, The Half culminated in exuberant award ceremonies on the grounds of the Museum of Science and Industry. Awards included Devine Racing’s Human Spirit Award which recognizes outstanding character, triumph over adversity and inspiration to others. This year’s winner was Wendy Copeland of Palatine,IL, who lost 170 pounds and took up running. She trained with coaches at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training and raised just under $6,000 in memory of her dear friend Dave Wicklund who died of leukemia when they were both 24-years-old.

Ranked among the top half marathons in the country, the Chicago Half has always dedicated itself to putting a Chicago face on running. Susan Nicholl, founder and one of the few women race directors in the U.S. added, “Our focus is on Chicago/Midwest runners and running clubs, their friends and families. We’ve always been one of the most popular half marathons in the country, and this year we created a Welcome Back Club, hosted by Farmers Insurance, to provide special extra perks to our repeat runners.” Post race atmosphere included massages for all runners, food and the annual KidsFest. Following the awards, record crowds rocked to a free post-race concert featuring Beatles Tribute Band – BRITISH EXPORT.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® is a national voluntary health organization. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Team In Training® is a comprehensive endurance training program for runners, walkers, cyclists and triathletes to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The goal of Team In Training is to increase funding to support the Society’s mission while promoting fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Devine Racing, L.L.C. was created to acquire and oversee world-class amateur athletic events in major destination cities -- particularly marathons, triathlons and road races. With a goal of acquiring prominent running properties, the intent is to build them into the most well-respected running events in the world. Devine Racing focuses on enhancing the participant experience, building an entire weekend of spectacular events from fitness expos to world-class concerts designed to celebrate the accomplishments of the athletes. Devine Racing owns the Los Angeles Marathon, the ‘New’ Las Vegas Marathon, the Salt Lake City Marathon, the Chicago Half Marathon and the Chicago BIG 10K.

For full race results and photos visit www.chicagohalfmarathon.com.