Posted: November 21, 2004

Athletics: Ketema Sets Course Record

From David Monti

(c) 2004 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

By David Monti with George Banker

Atalelech Ketema, an Ethiopian citizen residing in the Bronx, N.Y., was the first of two women under the previous course record at today's Outback Steakhouse 8-K in Hyattsville, Md.

Ketema, 21, covered the 8 km course in 26:44 with Tatyana Chulakh of Russia just three seconds behind. Both Ketema and Chulakh bettered Russian Olga Romanova's record from 2003 (26:52). Lucinda Hall, a former star for N.C. State, finished third in 26:56.

Ketema earned $700 for her victory, including $100 for a new course record.

The men's race was an all-Kenyan affair at the front, and Nicholas Kurgat managed to get a two second victory over Edwin Maranga, 23:40 to 23:42. Reuben Chebii was third in 23:45. Kurgat will pick up the winner's check of $600. Kenyan men took the top-7 positions.

The race reported a record number of finishers: 498.