FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Teshager, Muriuki take first place at the 35th edition
of the Los Angeles Marathon
Showcasing the beauty of Greater Los Angeles along its famous "Stadium to
the Sea" course, the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS was a
memorable day for more 27,000 entrants. Early Sunday morning the race
started at Dodger Stadium, traversed cities of West Hollywood and Beverly
Hills before finishing seaside in Santa Monica.
In near perfect weather and with huge crowds cheering them on, the 35th
running of the race was led by a field of world-class runners who competed
for more than $100,000 in prize money.
The men's race had a thrilling finish that highlighted the potential
greatness of Bayelign Teshager, a 20-year-old from Ethiopia making his
marathon debut. Teshager ran a strong race and seemed to get stronger down
the stretch, applying multiple surges in the last two miles to pulling away
to win in 2:08:26. John Langat of Kenya was second in 2:08:43 and Wilson
Chebet of Kenya was third in 2:09:16.
Through a translator, Teshager said he felt good and at 35K was confident
that he would win despite still being in a tight race with Langat. "As the
race progressed, I became more energized," Teshager said. "I was feeling
some discomfort, but my excitement to win overtook the pain."
New Zealand elite runner Zane Robertson said he figured Teshager would be a
top contender at the Los Angeles Marathon despite it being his debut at the
distance. "He will go on to be a great marathoner," Robertson said. "He
raced like a championship runner today."
In the women's elite race, the lead pack quickly whittled down with
Margaret Muriuki of Kenya who pushed the pace throughout. She was in a
match race with Almaz Negede of Ethiopia by the halfway point, and broke
away around mile 18 to cruise to a win her first Los Angeles Marathon title
in 2:36:04. "I am happy with the victory today," said Muriuki, who also won
the Honolulu Marathon in December. "The competition was good, and they
pushed me."
One of the race's enduring highlights is a large group of legacy runners
who have competed in every edition of the Los Angeles Marathon dating back
to the inaugural race in 1986. This year, there were 131 legacy runners
entered. For many others, the 2020 Los Angeles Marathon was their first
attempt at the 26.2-mile marathon distance. Nearly 32% of the 2020 entrants
were participating in their first marathon.
Participants from over 74 local and national charities ran to raise
awareness and create impact for their causes and fundraising efforts
through the Los Angeles Marathon's Official Charity Program. Since the
inaugural race, the Los Angeles Marathon has helped charities raise more
than $54 million for a variety of causes and nonprofit organizations.
Registration for the 2021 Los Angeles Marathon on March 21st, 2021 will
open online on Monday, March 9th, 2020 at LAMarathon.com.
Men's Elite Race
1. Bayelign Teshager, 2:08:26, $23,000
2. John Langat, 2:08:43, $12,000
3. Wilson Chebet, 2:09:16, $7,000
Women's Elite Race
1. Margaret Muriuki, 2:29:27, $23,000
2. Almaz Negede 2:32:28, $12,000
3. Jane Kibii, 2:36:04, $7,000
About The McCourt Foundation
On January 1, 2020 Conqur Endurance Group merged with The McCourt
Foundation (TMF). The combined entity with offices in Los Angeles and
Boston, produces a world-class portfolio of events including the Los
Angeles Marathon presented by ASICS, Pasadena Half Marathon & 5K at the
Rose Bowl, the Santa Monica Classic 5K/10K, the LA BIG 5K, Boston
Waterfront 5K Fitness & Wellness Festival, Tour de South Shore and the
Educational Update. TMF is nonprofit that empowers individuals and
communities build a healthier world through events and educational forms.
TMF provides a platform for these individuals and other nonprofits to fund
raise and create awareness of health-related causes. For more information,
please visit www.mccourtfoundation.org and www.goconqur.com.
###
|
