Finishing Strong
Leaders put up strong finishes despite a rainy start and notable local runners put in 26.2 at The People's Marathon
Start of the 40th Marine Corps Marathon
MCM Official Media Release--local finish times compiled by RacePacket
WASHINGTON, DC The Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on Sunday, Oct. 25 celebrated 23,194 runners to a successful finish at the 40th anniversary of the event. The MCM10K presented by Aetna enjoyed its largest participation and closest finish. The events were held simultaneously in Arlington, VA and throughout the nation's capital.
With his arm pointed toward the sky, U.S. Army Lt. Trevor Lafontaine won the 40th MCM breaking the finish tape in 2:24:25. Lafontaine, of Cornwall, NY, is a member of the U.S. Army Running Team. The 22-year-old said "it is awesome to be the Marine Corps Marathon Champion," after finishing ahead of Mexican runner Oscar Mateo Santos, 32, who completed the 26.2 mile course in 2:26:08. Brian Flynn, 32, of Rockingham, VA claimed third in 2:26:54.
Women MCM runners were led by Jenny Mendez Suanca, 35, of Costa Rica, who captured her win in 2:45:56. Marine Capt. Christine Taranto, 30, of Monterey, CA placed second completing the 26.2 mile course in 2:53:30, while Maria Elena Jimenez, 32, of Mexico enjoyed a third-place finish at 2:55:35.
Starting across the Potomac in the nation's capital, the MCM10K resulted in closest finish between the top three males. Showing that seconds do count, hometown runner Jack Dasilva, 30, of Arlington, VA took first place finishing in 34:01, just six seconds before Daniel Comite, 26, of Hilton Head Island, S.C. Comite finished the MCM10K in 34:07 – only one second before Derek Lactaoen, 26, of Seattle, who took third place in 34:08. The MCM10K celebrated its 10th year with its largest field of 7,777 runners.
While there was a bit of rain in the early morning, MCM and MCM10K finishers, spectators and U.S. Marines cheered the MCM's beloved Groundpounders Al Richmond (5:52:17) of Arlington, VA and Will Brown (7:41:49) of Raleigh, N.C., who both crossed the finish line in grand fashion on the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial. The Groundpounders have completed 40 consecutive MCMs, logging a total of 1,048 miles a piece since the MCM began in 1976.
The MCM also included 83 hand cycle and wheelchair participants including Anthony Serra, 41, of Boern, TX, who won the division in 2:32:38 and Tammy Landeen, 38, of Milton, FL, who led female participants at 1:58:01. Landeen also claimed the third-fastest finish among women hand cycle participants in MCM history.
Also, a tradition within the Marine Corps Marathon is the Armed Forces Challenge, which includes elite runners from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Running Teams. This year, the Army won the challenge with MCM winner Lt. Trevor LaFontaine leading the team. Women U.S. Marines won the challenge with Capt. Christine Taranto leading her team.
In addition, the U.S. Marines claimed victory over their running team counterparts of the Royal Navy/ Marines in the annual Challenge Cup Competition.
The race continues to attract a number of long-time members of the area running scene. George Banker, who coordinates operations for the Army Ten Miler, finished his 32nd MCM with a 6:50:55. Past DCRRC President Phil Stewart ran a 3:49:07. Past NOVA Running Club Co-President and perennial MCM runner Mark Drosky was delayed at security but ran a 3:20:54. Marathon powerhouse Chuck Engle ran a 3:56:40. Prolific marathoner Ronnie Wong ran a 3:54:20 at age 69. Retired Gallaudet President I. King Jordan ran a 6:18:20 at age 72 for a 30th MCM finish. Barry Goldmeier, juggling 3 balls the entire way finished in 5:47:47.
Four members of the RacePacket staff completed the MCM. Regular columnist Jeff Horowitz (51) of Washington, DC was first across the line in 4:15:19, followed by the newest staff member and Operations Manager Chris Leyen (24) of Arlington, VA in 4:48:05. Graphic designer Albert Islas (54) of Alexandria, VA followed soon after in 5:02:03 and President and Chief Running Officer Bob Platt (64) finished his 31st MCM in 5:19:15.
At the time of this article's release all MCM and MCM10K results are unofficial but are available online at www.marinemarathon.com.