DENVER, Colo. – October 19, 2008 – The 2008 Denver Marathon™, the largest marathon event in Colorado, celebrated its third annual marathon today 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 with a time of 2:22:13. Richard Kimeli took second place with a time of 2:23:54 and Jonathan Ndambuki, the 2007 Denver Marathon winner taking third with a time of 2:24:53.
In the women’s full marathon, Nuta Olaru from Romania took first place with a time of 2:42:18. Judy Kiplimo from Kenya came in second with a time of 2:45:11 and Patty Rogers from Lakewood, Colo., took third with a time of 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 a time of 1:10:40; Josephat Keino from Denver took second with a time of 1:11:29 and Ewen North from Boulder took third with a time of 1:12:56.
Three women from Colorado took the podium in the half: Loring Watkins of Littleton took first for the women in the half marathon with a time of 1:24:00; Rachel Foss Viele from Vail took second place with a time of 1:25:42; and Karen Melliar-Smith of Denver took third with a time of 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 a time of 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 was flat and had little to no elevation change and was certified by USA Track & Field as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
For more information on the Denver Marathon, please visit DenverMarathon.com.
About Denver Marathon™
The largest Marathon in the state of Colorado, the Denver Marathon is one of the most unique and beautiful distance running events in the Rocky Mountain Region, which includes the marathon, a half-marathon, the ING Marathon Relay and the McDonald’s Mile Kid’s Race. Named one of 10 “Marathons You Should Do in 2008” by Runner’s World, runners of all speeds and abilities can enjoy running in this Denver tradition produced by Experience Sports and directed by world renown Race Director Dave McGillivray. The racecourse will start in front of the State Capitol, and travel past many of Denver’s major landmarks such as the Denver Public Library and the Denver Art Museum, Larimer Square, the Pepsi Center, Union Station and Coors Field, as well as City, Cheesman and Washington Parks.
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