News
Rutto makes 2:05:50 debut in Chicago
the fastest-ever marathon debut
2003-10-21
With strong late race surges, Kenyan Evans Rutto and Svetlana Zakharova of Russia burst to convincing wins in the 26th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon on Sunday (12 October).In his stunning first appearance over the distance, the 25 year-old Rutto broke from a seven-man pack in the 19th mile to win in 2:05:50, placing himself firmly among the four fastest marathoners of all time, with the fastest-ever marathon debut.
His effort easily bettered Wilson Onsares debut record of 2:06:47 from Aprils Paris Marathon, Haile Gebrselassies 2:06:35 unofficial debut in the 2002 London Marathon, and was just eight seconds shy of Khalid Khannouchis 1999 course record.
"It sounds very nice," said Rutto, who finished sixth at the 2001 World Half Marathon Championships, when told of his debut record. "I was feeling very good, and I prepared specifically for this race for the past two months."
Ruttos decisive move, 4:44 and 4:34 surges in the 20th and 21st miles, built an insurmountable 17-second gap after 35 k, ending what was until that point a relatively tight race. He powered on to win by a whopping 1:17.
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