October 12, 2003
(coolrunning.com)
Kenya's Laban Kipkemboi, 25, -- who was 11th place at this year's Boston Marathon - won today's Half Marathon in a time of one hour, three minutes, four seconds, beating a deep field of international competitors and taking home his first place share ($5,000) of the $25,000 prize purse. Kipkemboi beat countrymen John Kagwe (two-time New York City Marathon champion) by 11 seconds and third place finisher Timothy Cherigat, also of Kenya, by 59 seconds. All three of these runners used the half marathon as preparation for next month's New York City Marathon.
Marie Davenport, 28, of Ireland and who resides in Chester, Connecticut, was the women's champion in 1:10:57. The former Providence College star is an Irish Olympian, but this was her debut at the half marathon distance. Davenport bolted from the pack early in the race, extending her lead by the six mile point. Lioudmila Kortchaguina, 32, a Russian citizen living in Toronto, Canada, was runner-up in 1:11:27. Kortchaguina made an attempt to close the 10-second gap between her and the front-running Davenport at mile 10, but Davenport put her away over the ensuing mile and cruised in with what was essentially a victory lap around the Fens. Davenport also won $5,000 for her effort. South African Theresa Du Toit, 30, who resides in Morris Plains, NJ, was third in 1:14:34.
- JF
Organizer
Boston Athletic Association
2003 Presenting Sponsor
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Jimmy Fund
Top Five Men
1. Laban Kipkemboi (KEN) 1:03:04
2. John Kagwe (KEN) 1:03:15
3. Timothy Cherigat (KEN) 1:04:03
4. Dave Davis (USA) 1:04:48
5. Phillimon Haneck (USA) 1:04:55
Top Five Women
1. Marie Davenport (IRL) 1:10:57
2. Lioudmila Kortchaguina (RUS) 1:11:27
3. Theresa Du Toit (RSA) 1:14:34
4. Naomi Wangui (KEN) 1:16:40
5. Maria Servin (MEX) 1:17:49