| Marine Corps Marathon 2005
The Marine Corps Marathon celebrated its 30th Anniversary this year - and the race could barely have turned out any better. Temperatures in the low 50s and sunny skies drew no complaints from runners or spectators and helped produce a strong race. Dubbed the "People's Marathon," the Marine Corps Marathon offers no prize money and boasts of having attracted runners from all 50 states and 44 countries this year - but with no Kenyans to be found among the entrants.
After the Navy Leap Frogs put on an aerial show and runners were regaled with heartfelt renditions of God Bless America and the various military anthems, the races began and finished smoothly.
Ttwo Marine Corps Marathon veterans engaged in a battle with a member of the Mexican Marines to see who would be crowned champion of the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon. Carl Rundell who led for most of the 2004 race, but was affected by the 2004 heat and finished fifth that year, decided to set the pace again this year - but he could not shake Ruben Garcia of Mexico. The two traveled the first 20 miles of the course together before Garcia was able to move ahead, but by mile 24 Garcia was suffering from a tight hamstring and was not certain that he could hold on for the win. At the end, Garcia managed to hold onto a lead by eight seconds finishing the course in 2:22:18 to Rundell's 2:22:26. Third place went to Eric Post in 2:23:54. Post was the 2003 runner-up (2:27:49) but but finished well back in 2004 after suffering severe problems during the race.
In the women's race Susannah Kvansnicka led nearly from the start and was the winner by nearly three minutes, finishing in 2:47:10. Kvansnicka had no expectations for her race, having suffered from dehydration in her 2:47:57 run at the Twin Cities Marathon just four weeks before and never having run two competitive marathons so close. In the back of Kvansnicka's mind was the possibility of dropping out if things were not going well - but that never bacame an issue. Liz Wilson of Eugene Oregon who ran two 2:38 marathons in 2004 finished in second place in 2:50:03. Third woman went to Brozozowski who finished in 2:54:48.
In a race within the main race - a traditional contest between the US Marine Marathon team and the British Royal Navy Marines ended with the British taking home the cup and another year's glory. While the US Marines did not win the contest this year, their success at putting on an excellent marathon deserved a prize on its own.
More Features:
- Marine Corps Marathon 2005: Photo Gallery
- Complete Results of the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon
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Miles the Marine Corps Mascot warming up before the race
Ruben Garcia moments from his first place finish
Susannah Kvasnicka accepting her first place award
Additional Marathon Photos
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