The Twin Cities Marathon witnessed impressive performances with Shadrack Kimining of Kenya and Molly Bookmyer from Columbus, Ohio, emerging victorious in the men's and women's races respectively. After the event was canceled last year due to excessive heat, this year's marathon offered much better conditions for running.
Shadrack Kimining secured the win in the men's division with a close finish, clocking in at 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 17 seconds. He narrowly defeated Eritrean runner Tesfu Tewelde by just four seconds in what was a thrilling end to the race. Kimining's performance was especially remarkable considering it followed his marathon debut earlier in the year in Houston.
Molly Bookmyer led the women's race from the start and crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 52 seconds, setting a personal record and finishing over four minutes ahead of her nearest competitor. Her victory was not just a testament to her running prowess but also a significant personal achievement given her medical history. Bookmyer has overcome considerable challenges, including two brain surgeries to remove a benign tumor and to address a fluid buildup. Her resilience is further underscored by her recovery and continued commitment to running even after her husband was diagnosed with cancer.
“Today was a beautiful day,” Bookmyer said. “The course was fabulous. The spectators were so loud. I just wanted to go out there from the gun and lead it. That’s what I did. A great day.”
Both athletes enjoyed the support of the spectators and favorable weather conditions, which contrasted sharply with the previous year's heat. The event not only showcased their athletic excellence but also highlighted their personal stories of overcoming adversity and achieving remarkable comebacks in their careers.
Bookmyer's story is particularly inspiring. She wasn't a standout athlete during her college days at Ohio State University, which she attributes to her then-undiagnosed health issues. Discovering her condition was somewhat fortuitous during tests for recurrent stress fractures, leading to the life-saving surgeries. Her journey from managing health challenges to excelling at marathons is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination.
TOP RESULTS WOMEN MARATHON
Pos. | Name | Time |
---|---|---|
1 | Molly Bookmyer | 2:28:52 |
2 | Jessica Watychowicz | 2:33:02 |
3 | Ashlee Powers | 2:33:40 |
4 | Megan O'Neil | 2:34:55 |
5 | Madison Offstein | 2:36:07 |
6 | Kimberly Carr | 2:36:29 |
7 | Miku Hirashima | 2:39:35 |
8 | Lauren Kelly | 2:45:52 |
9 | Jen Van Otterloo | 2:46:12 |
10 | Riley McGinnity | 3:12:03 |
TOP RESULTS MEN MARATHON
Pos. | Name | Time |
---|---|---|
1 | Shadrack Kimining | 2:10:17 |
2 | Tesfu Twelde | 2:10:21 |
3 | Dominic Ondoro | 2:10:32 |
4 | Matthew Richtman | 2:10:45 |
5 | Cosmass Kiplimo | 2:12:32 |
6 | Will Norris | 2:12:33 |
7 | Ben Olson | 2:14:35 |
8 | Benjamin Schneiderman | 2:16:09 |
9 | Dillon Powell | 2:16:16 |
10 | Kevin Kirk | 2:16:33 |