Kimutai Cheruiyot (2:15:53) And Taylor Ward (2:36:25) Win Philadelphia Marathon

Press Release
November 21, 2016

PHILADELPHIA (November 20, 2016) – Despite cold temperatures and strong winds, local, national and international runners flooded the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for the 23rd annual Philadelphia Marathon. Kimutai Cheruiyot of Kenya broke the previous course record of 2:16:47, set in 2003 by Joseph Nderitu, with a finish time of 2:15:53. This is Cheruiyot’s first Philadelphia Marathon, although he completed the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 2014, coming in second. Taylor Ward of Utah, who crossed the finish line at 2:36:25, was the first female finisher. Today was Ward’s first time racing the Philadelphia Marathon and a career finish time.

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Jacob Chemtai, also of Kenya, came in second for the men with a time finishing time of 2:16:01. Following close behind was Bado Merdessa of Ethiopia, who clocked in at 2:16:11. For the women, second-place went to Serkalem Abrha of Ethiopia with a final time of 2:37:53. The third-place female finisher was Vera Nunes of Portugal, who finished at 2:39:03.

“I’m really impressed with all the runners who came out today,” said Race Director Jim Marino. “They showed everyone the grit and determination it takes to run a marathon. I’m glad we were able to provide them with a safe and fun race experience and a special thanks to the staff and volunteers that made this weekend possible.”

Today’s full marathon marks the close of the 2016 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. The Race Weekend events, which included the half marathon, Rothman 8K and Kids Fun Run, in addition to the Full Marathon, attracted nearly 30,000 registered runners and 60,000 fans.

“Congratulations to all the finishers of the 2016 Philadelphia Marathon,” said Sheila Hess, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Marathon. “I am so thrilled with the outcome of this Race Weekend, from the impressive turnout at the Health & Fitness Expo to the support from the thousands of spectators along the race courses, not to mention the course record-breaking male finisher for today’s marathon. The determination of our participants is inspiring! Thank you again to all our sponsors who continue to support the Philadelphia Marathon. We look forward to seeing you all for Race Weekend 2017!”

Mayor Jim Kenney presented the Fastest Philadelphian prize to the first male and female finishers from Philadelphia. Patrick Richie of the Manayunk section of Philadelphia finished with a time of 2:24:10, was competing in his first ever marathon. Margaret Vido was the fastest female Philadelphia, finishing at 2:44:54.

RESULTS

Men’s Marathon Results
Kimutai Cheruiyot, 31, Chapel Hill, NC, 2:15:53
Jacob Chemtai, 29, Albuquerque, NM, 2:16:01
Bado Merdessa, 31, Bronx, NY, 2:16:11
Wesley Langat, 39, Corcoran, MN, 2:16:42
Julius Koskei, 34, Morristown, NJ, 2:20:19

Women’s Marathon Results
Taylor Ward, 26, Auburn, AL, 2:36:25
Serkalem Abrha, 29, Albuquerque, NM, 2:37:53
Vera Nunes, 36, Cascais, Portugal, 2:39:03
Madeline Duhon, 27, Stanardsville, VA, 2:40:29
Amanda Marino, 27, Bradley Beach, NJ, 2:43:31

Men’s Masters Division Marathon
Christian Mercier, 42, Quebec, QC, Canada, 2:28:15
Antonio Sousa, 46, Lisbon, Portugal, 2:39:01
François Landry, 40, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, 2:41:01
Eric Hunziker, 47, Cincinati, OH, 2:43:56
Michael Stadolnik, 43, Plainfield, CT, 2:45:00

Women’s Masters Division Marathon
Mary Akor Beasley, 40, Hawthorne, CO, 2:44:51
Kerry Lee, 41, Cincinnati, OH, 2:59:12
Cecile Daurat-Thompson, 42, Glen Mills, PA, 02:59:50
Diane Senecal, 44, Narragansett, RI, 3:00:20
Megan Duerring, 40, Easton, PA, 3:01:10

Full Marathon Wheelchair
Miguel Angel Jimenez-Vergara, 16, Ewing, NJ, 2:01:18

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