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2012 Chevron Houston Marathon - Sunday, January 15, 2012
By Sharon Ekstrom
photo: Victah Sailer / PhotoRun
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The Houston Marathon and Half Marathon has seen athletes rise to be the best in the world in both events and for the 2012 edition, it was no different with exception that course records fell in every event. Years ago, the race had seen the start of Americans Ryan Hall who set the half-marathon American and course records here in 2007 and Shalane Flanagan set a half-marathon course record here in 2010 - both who have since gone on to be phenomenal marathoners. Many other international athletes, like 2011 Champion Bekana Daba, saw Houston as launching pads for their careers. Daba ran the 2011 edition of the race and was invited to the 2011 Boston and Chicago Marathons (where he finished 9th and 4th respectively).
photo: Victah Sailer / PhotoRun
Jufar Sets a New Houston Course Record
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While Daba didn't return for 2012, the field had some strong international talent and a number of Ethiopians eyeing a spot on their Olympic team. Pre-race favorite in the field Demessew Tsega mentioned that the leaders were targeting a 2:05-2:06 finish, but Tsega faded and watched fellow countryman, Tariku Jufar, run to victory in a 2:06:51, a course record by 12 seconds. Jufar's previous best had been 2:08:10 from the 2008 Hamburg Marathon. Debebe Tolosa was second in a personal best of 2:07:41 and Demessew Tsenga was third in 2:11:13.
The women's field for 2012 had Australian Olympian Benita Willis showcasing a field which has also been Ethiopian dominant. Houston launched the careers of Ethiopians Dire Tune and Teyiba Erkesso who went on to winning the Boston Marathon, if this is any indicator Willis had some tough competitors...but Willis who is a veteran of the distance is the only elite capable being a contender. Ethiopian Alemitu Abera won the race after an early lead and crushed Erkesso's previous course record in a 2:23:14. Benita Willis was second in 2:28:24 and Yihunlish Delelecha was third in 2:31:19.
The half marathon saw an Ethiopian sweep as well. The men's race was won by Ethiopian Feyisa Lilesa who was gunning for a sub-60 and got it in a course record of (59:22). [Ryan Hall set the previous course and American record in 2007 (59:43).] This was Lilesa's test of fitness before the 2012 London Marathon and perhaps the 2012 Olympics if he makes the Ethiopian team. Belaynesh Oljira beat out favorite Caroline Kilel in the last 100 meters of the race to win in 68:26.
photo: Victah Sailer / PhotoRun
2012 Marathon Winners
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Male Top Finishers & Prize Money:
1. Tariku Jufar, 27, ETH 2:06:51 PB/CR* $35,000 + 10,000*
2. Debebe Tolossa, 31, ETH 2:07:41 PB 17,000
3. Demssew Tsega, 23, ETH 2:11:13 7,000
4. Shawn Forrest, 28, AUS 2:14:37 PB 4,000
5. Leonardo Camargo, 25, MEX 2:18:10 PB 2,000
*Course record/$10,000 bonus; previous 2:07:04, Bekana Daba (ETH), 2011
Female Top Finishers & Prize Money:
1. Alemitu Abera, 26, ETH 2:23:14 PB/CR* $35,000 + 10,000*
2. Benita Willis, 31, AUS 2:28:24 17,000
3. Yihunlish Delelecha, 30, ETH 2:31:19 7,000
4. Ava Hutchinson, 28, GBR 2:35:33 PB 4,000
5. Zsofia Erdelyi, 24, HUN 2:36:56 PB 2,000
*Course record; previous 2:23:53, Teyiba Erkesso (ETH), 2010
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