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Chicago Marathon ‘07: Down to Four Men

Posted October 7th, 2007 at 10:46 AM by Jimmie R. Markham

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Special Features, Live Race Coverage

Chicago Marathon The men go through the 30K mark in 1:33:05, on pace for a 2:10:55 marathon. It’s down to four men: Robert K. Cheruiyot (KEN), Jaouad Gharib (MAR), Patrick Ivuti (KEN) and Daniel Njenga (KEN). Njenga has made a herculean effort to get to the lead pack, so he is at a disadvantage, having wasted valuable energy. The last mile was run in 4:59. In 5th, Ben Maiyo (KEN) is 21 seconds back. In 6th, Jimmy Muindi (KEN) is 54 seconds back.

Just under 36,000 people have started the race. It is a sweltering 87 degrees at street level.

The lead pack of four men is averaging about 5:00 miles, but they keep throwing in surges at a 4:40 mile pace.

Michael Cox is the only American on pace to qualify for the Olympic Trials. He is on pace for a 2:19:42 marathon. Andrew Middleton still has a chance to make the 2:22 qualifying mark. He is on pace for a 2:22:09.

The leaders hit the 20 mile mark in 1:40:05. The last mile was run in 5:04. Cheruiyot is setting the pace. Cheruiyot, Gharib and Ivuti are running side-by-side. Njenga is tucked in right behind them, taking advantage of the wind they are cutting.

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