TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

TFS to Expand Writing Staff and Internship Program

Whether you are a seasoned veteran, an aspiring journalist, or even just a knowledgeable fan looking for a profitable hobby, we want to hear from you! Click here to apply today!

Chicago Marathon ‘07: Ivuti Tops Gharib in a Photo Finish!

Posted October 7th, 2007 at 11:18 AM by Jimmie R. Markham

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

The 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon was a hot, humid war of attrition. A pack of 15 men averaged 5:00 to 5:10 miles throughout the race.

In the end, race came down to two men: Jaouad Gharib of Morocco and Patrick Ivuti of Kenya. Robert K. Cheruiyot (KEN), 2006 winner, had succumbed to the heat and stomach cramps and was out of contention with a few miles to go.

Gharib, with a 13:19 5000m, had the ability to kick. Ivuti, with a 5000m PB of 13:02:68, had the advantage.

During the last mile, Gharib was bumping Ivuti a little, playing mind games. Having none of it, Ivuti was pushing back.

With 600m to go, Gharib made a big move and opened a lead of 5 meters. Ivuti pulled back up to him, but Gharib surged again, this time opening up a gap of 10 meters. Ivuti looked vulnerable now, but he reeled Gharib back in after considerable effort. In fact, Ivuti tried to pull ahead, but Gharib surged yet again.

At the tape, they were dead even. Ivuti bumped Gharib and just edged out Gharib for the win. Both men were credited with a time of 2:11:11.

Daniel Njenga finished third in 2:12:45. Robert K. Cheruiyot finished 4th in 2:16:13.

One American, Michael Cox, qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials next month in New York City. His time of 2:21:44 is better than the “B” standard of 2:22:00.

Here are the top 10 finishers:

1. Patrick Ivuti (KEN ) 2:11:11
2. Jaouad Gharib (MAR ) 2:11:11
3. Daniel Njenga (KEN ) 2:12:45
4. Robert K. Cheruiyot (KEN ) 2:16:13
5. Ben Maiyo (KEN ) 2:16:59
6. Christopher Cheboiboch (KEN ) 2:17:17
7. Bong-ju Lee (KOR ) 2:17:29
8. Michael Cox (USA ) 2:21:44
9. Jason Flogel (USA ) 2:26:34
10. Eric Blake (USA ) 2:26:55

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Check back often for TheFinalSprint.com’s LIVE coverage of the 2007 Boston Marathon, sponsored by Ultima Replenisher, at:

http://chicago.thefinalsprint.com

***** ***** ***** ***** *****