LA Marathon: Pozdnyakova, 49-Years-Old, Wins LA Challenge

Pozdnyakova, 49-Years-Old, Wins LA Marathon Challenge, $79,000 and a New Honda
Race report by Doug Thurston

LOS ANGELES - (March 7, 2004) - In a test of the L.A. Marathon's latest innovation, Tatyana Pozdnyakova of Ukraine conquered both "The Challenge" and challenging conditions to cross the finish line first in the 19th City of Los Angeles Marathon in 2:30:17. The defending champion, who turned 49 last Thursday and the oldest winner of any major marathon, was one of 15 elite women who started the race 20 minutes and 30 seconds ahead of the elite men in the unique handicap format. As the first person across the line, she won a $50,000 bonus.

David Kirui of Kenya finished first among the men in 2:13:41 and 3 minutes and 51 seconds behind Pozdnyakova.

"This was a very special victory," Pozdnyakova said. "I worked very hard for this race and I ran better the second half."

Pozdnyakova, who trains in Gainesville, Fla., said she will use The Challenge bonus to help pay for her son's college education.

Kirui and Pozdnyakova also won the traditional first place prizes of $25,000 and a Honda Accord EX V6 (valued at $26,400). Pozdnyakova won an additional $4,000 for finishing under 2:31. Kirui earned a $1,000 bonus for breaking 2:14.

A record field 24,532 started under sunny skies and warm conditions. Temperatures climbed from 67-degrees at the start to 86-degrees five hours into the race.

"The warm weather brought out enormous crowds, the biggest in race history," said Dr. William A. Burke, marathon president. "But it was hot out there."

Anuta Catuna of Romania bolted to the front of the women's field, stretching her lead to more than a minute at the halfway point. Her fast start caught up to her after 17 miles, and Pozdnyakova and Tatiana Titova of Russia swept by. Pozdnyakova left the field behind after mile 20.

Titova finished second among women in 2:33:39 and was the second runner across the line.

"I like 'The Challenge,'" Titova said, "It makes the race interesting."

The men started the race more at a more conservative pace, passing 10 miles in 50 minutes and 50 seconds. Kirui picked-up the pace between miles 12 and 18 to build a 30-second lead.

At 18 miles, Kirui was trailing Pozdnyakova by about 5 minutes and appeared to have a shot at catching her. After 20 miles, though, the heat caught up to Kirui as he gained only about another minute.

Simon Wangai of Kenya finished in second for the men in 2:13:57. Five men and five women were the first 10 finishers.

"I had a little side cramp at 18 miles," Kirui said. "But it went away and I was concentrating on catching the ladies."

Joel Jeannot of France won the men's wheelchair race in 1:27:08. Cheri Blauwet of Menlo Park won the women's wheelchair competition in 1:54:02. First Quad Wheelchair was Onik Hovakimian of Van Nuys in 2:17:54.

Complete results are available at: www.lamarathon.com

The 2004 City of Los Angeles Marathon presented by Honda is sponsored by American Airlines, City of Angels Medical Center, The Gas Company (A Sempra Energy Utility), KVEA 52, NBC4, Saucony, Sparkletts, Barbara's Bakery, Buitoni and Emerald Nuts.

Planning has already begun for the 20th running of the race which is set for March 6, 2005.

source Running USA wire