Sport
Kenyans dominate Chicago marathon as Dennis Kimetto and Rita Jeptoo win
Jemima Sumgong Jelegat came home a distant second 53 seconds behind the winner, with Russia’s Maria Konovalova taking third to prevent another Kenyan podium sweep.
Jeptoo’s relaxed victory was in sharp contrast to the punishing battle she waged on the Chicago streets a year ago, when she suffered a one-second loss to Atsede Baysa.
“I feel good, I’m happy,” said Jeptoo. “This year, I trained very, very good, because I was training with a new coach.
“I was not 100 percent thinking I am going to win, but because of training, I believe I ran good.”
Security was heavily increased for the race, which attracted 40,000 runners, after the Boston marathon bombings.
A uniformed police presence was noticeable along the entire route, while bomb-sniffing dogs roamed the start and finish areas.
“After a major tragedy like Boston, you know that the next major event is going to be covered,” said 48-year-old spectator Jackie McGowan, who has been attending the race for 15 years.
Prior to Sunday’s race, police had already warned they would step random searchers of spectators’ bags, and any unattended bags would be checked and removed. For the first time, tickets were required to enter the finish area, while access to the start was also restricted.
