| Ohio Track and Running Report |
CVS/Cleveland Marathon and 10K - Women
While Barsosio and Meyer Duked it out in the 10K, Kolpakova Claims Marathon From the Gun
by TPNS Editor Bob Ramsak
(TPNS) - 29. April 2001 - Cleveland, OH -- (Note: Written for The News Herald and the Race Results Weekly News Service) --
It has become as common a sight in Cleveland as an Indians Division title run.
For the 13th consecutive year, a Russian or Ukrainian has won the women's CVS/Cleveland Marathon title.
This year it was Elvira Kolpakova's turn. But unlike the men's race, the 28-year old led from the outset, winning in 2:42:06, a comfortable minute and a half in front of another Russian, 35-year old Tatiana Titova, who won in Cleveland in 1995. Kolpakova combined her endurance --she is the Russian national champion in the 100K (62 miles) -- and leg speed for the comfortable win.
"I felt very confident about my chances today," Kolpakova said, "and am very proud of my race."
Finishing third was Oakland-based Pole Magdalena Lewy, posting a 2:44:57 in her marathon debut. "A marathon is definitely longer than a 5,000," Lewy, a former NCAA All-American in the 5,000, said smiling. "But I'll definitely run more marathons." She was troubled early on by an upset stomach, throwing up twice.
Eileen Meisler of Pepper Pike was the top Ohio finisher, finishing seventh overall in 2:58:59.
For four miles, the women's 10K was an epic battle between a seasoned Olympic medalist, Elena Meyer of South Africa, and still-young 1997 world 10,000 meter champion, Sally Barsosio of Kenya.
"I knew we would finish 1-2," said Barsosio, whose loss to Meyer two weeks ago at the Crescent City 10K in New Orleans taught her a few things about racing against the 34-year old Meyer. "At four miles, I heard her breathing, and knew she was tiring. But I also knew she wouldn't give up," said the Kenyan two-time Olympian. Barsosio moved ahead and opened an insurmountable 17 second gap to win in 31:43, eclipsing Lisa Ondieki's course record, set in 1993, by ten seconds.
"Sally ran well today," Meyer, the 1992 Olympic 10,000 meter silver medalist said. "She opened up a wide gap on me and it was just too much to close this time." Meyer clocked 32:00, 19 seconds ahead of Russian Lidia Grigoryeva.
Anjanette Arabian of Rocky River was the top Ohioan, finishing sixth in 35:42. Peggy Fortune of Cleveland was seventh in 36:00.
Prize money was down significantly from last year. The marathon winner netted $5,200, the runner-up $4,000, and $3,000 for third. Last year's winner received $15,000. The 10K champion received $2,000.
Women's 10K
1.Sally Barsosio, Kenya 31:43
2.Elana Meyer, South Africa, 32:00
3.Lidia Grigoryeva, Russia, 32:19
4.Silvia Skvortsova, Russia 32:52
5.Gladys Asiba, Kenya 34:09
6.Anjanette Arabian, Rocky River 35:42
7.Peggy Fortune, Cleveland 36:00
8.Felicia Greer, St Clairsville 37:29
9.Michelle Rupe, Cortland 38:20
10.Joanne Collins, Westlake 39:11
Marathon-
1. Elvira Kolpakova, RUS, 2:42:06
2. Tatiana Titova, RUS, 2:43:37
3. Magdalena Lewy, POL, 2:44:57
4. Monica Sarmiento, VEN, 2:48:56
5. Renate Baldyga, POL, 2:49:58
6. Kelli Lusk, MI, 2:55:49
7. Eileen Meisler, Ohio, 2:58:59
8. Carolyn Silvey, 44, CAN, 3:06:35
9. Monica Joyce, 42, Mich, 3:07:34
