Kenyans dominated the 26th running of the Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon

May 7, 2002

Indianapolis - Kenyans dominated the 26th running of the Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, led by Gabriel Muchiri, whose 1:01:54 eclipsed the course record by two seconds. His countrymen swept the first 11 places, with the top eight breaking 1:05. Kenyan Jackline Torori fought the wind and lack of competition to win the women's title in 1:15:14 - well off her personal best of 1:11:23 and the course record of 1:11:34. Muchiri and Torori both collected $3,000 for their wins

Muchiri had arrived from a visit to his homeland late the night before the race. He ran with a pack of 6 Kenyans, but surged at 8 miles on the track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and was never challenged. It was the seventh win in a row by Kenyans.

Butch Martin of Fishers, Ind. captured the men's wheelchair title for a record 13th time. Top-ranked Masters Gary Romesser, 51, ran 1:11:50 to follow up last year's title. He is a five-time overall winner of the race.

A record field of 26,000 was entered, making the event the largest half marathon in the nation. Finishers ranged in age from 4 to 81.

Saturday, May 4
Indianapolis - Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. Men - 1. Gabriel Muchiri, KEN, 1:01:54 (course record). 2. Ronald Mogaka, KEN, 1:02:12. 3. Titus Munji, KEN, 1:02:21. Women - 1. Jackline Torori, KEN, 1:15:14. 2. Irina Suvorova, RUS, 1:16:18. 3. Lucie Mays, IN, 1:19:10. Masters Men - 1. Gary Romesser, IN, 1:11:50. 2. Mike Smith, IN, 1:12:55. 3. Mark Diveley, IN, 1:14:01. Masters Women - 1. Jeanne Olash, KY, 1:23:21. 2. Kathy Waldron, WI, 1:23:36. 3. Rita Uebelhor, IN, 1:25:06. Wheelchair Male - Butch Martin, IN, 47:37 (13th win). Wheelchair Female - Holly Koester, OH, 1:09:27.

Coaches and Race Directors:
E-Mail us Your Press Releases!!

Send to [email protected]