Tampa-based Kenyan Thomas Omwenga ran away and hid on the field at Sunday’s BMO Vancouver Marathon, winning by just under 9 minutes (2:16:55) over BC’s own Jason Loutitt. This is Omwenga’s third win, adding to his ’07 and ’08 titles. He has enjoyed a fair bit of success on the Canadian circuit over the years, having also won the Around The Bay 30K last year and the Niagara Falls Marathon in 2007.
The women’s marathon was won by Emmah Muthoni Kiruki (2:37:16) over BC’s Sharleen Jackson (2:50:12) and Suzanne Evans (2:52:58).
Each champion took home $2000. This year saw over 3400+ marathon finishers.
The half marathon’s 6500+ runners were led by Lethbridge’s Kip Kangogo (Kan He Ever!) in 1:06:33. Kangogo is a former NCAA All American who once trained under legendary Ed Eyestone at Brigham Young University, before transferring to Texas Christian in 2004. Kip’s younger brother Ed posted a 9th place finish (1:13:29).
On the women’s side, Ontario’s Krista Duchene (1:16:40) won easily. Duchene was third at this spring’s Around The Bay 30K and won both the Hamilton and Mississauga Marathons in ’09. Lisa Harvey edged Heather Gallagher for second place and the extra $250 in prize money ($750 vs $500). The two finished with identical 1:19:15 chip times, but Harvey started 2 seconds ahead of Gallagher so she also finished 2 seconds ahead. (In major road races, awards go by gun time, not chip time.)
Congratulations to all who braved the elements for yesterday’s races!
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